A journey of discovery

"In a dark place we find ourselves, and a little more knowledge lights our way." - Yoda

In a recent exchange with my yoda, Jack Gailer, he made the most astute observation that I've ever considered about this path that we’re on, and I felt compelled to share, in the hope that it might benefit others.

"I'd like to challenge you on the word recovery. I don't think it fits - particularly for us.

In fact, I think it is one of the most counterproductive ideologies about this whole space.

For people with identified mental health difficulties, proactively seeking wellness, there is no such thing as recovery because there is nothing specifically to recover from,

nor any such thing as being recovered. It will always be a part of us.

It's the cobblestones that form the very path on which we walk.

What we refer to when we speak of recovery is, in fact, a journey of discovery.

A fearless inquiry into ourselves that we courageously carry out every day.

The only distinction is, we do not live with illusions.

Contrary to most, we face it, and live with it, and work on it, day in and day out."

Jack's words filled me with a sense of power and pride. For all the time I've spent wishing and hoping, waiting and praying, to be normal, like everyone else, I felt grateful and chosen to be on this journey of discovery, with purpose and without pretense. I recognize the calling of this mission, and my role in it.

I have welcomed the introspection and found healing in the learning. I can now distinguish loneliness from depression, social anxiety from inadequacy, limitations from failures, and challenges from hopelessness. I am now able to listen instead of talk, to share instead of spout, to be flawed and imperfect instead of false and defective.

My journey has seen ups and downs. My mental health has marked highs and lows. My struggle has weathered countless peaks and valleys. Yet I persist. At this time in my life, I can better understand that we simply must keep going. The hardest times often give rise to the greatest moments of our lives. Through the difficulties is where we find our truest selves and become stronger.

Would I wish for less hardship? Of course! But would I want less forbearance? Hell no!

I am recovering from my nicotine addiction and in that sense, I am and will always be in recovery. But as far as living with mental health issues, I will never be "recovered", as I cannot recover what I've never possessed. I can lead a productive and fulfilled life, and in that respect I can prevail. Yet I cannot become a "former" mental health disorder.

Beyond the fact that there truly is no cure for mental illness, and in spite of the fact that I can never regain what never existed, I do believe that I can continue to grow, learn, reflect, reconsider, and evolve. That is the mission and purpose in life for all humankind. I am no exception.

What I have learned is that I must simply embrace the times that I have fallen for the lessons they have taught me. The failures taught me resilience, the heartbreaks taught me empathy, and the mistakes taught me wisdom. They are the true triumphs of my life, and in every instance, I have been victorious.

What a magnificent awakening. Thank you, Jack.

Profound, your philosophical insights are, wise and enlightening. Yes, hrrmmm. <( -_- )>