🌊 Expert? Who, Me?? 🤔

Becoming an expert on your own path to wellness recovery

Hello my friend,

Have you ever thought of yourself as an expert?

Is there an area or subject where you feel really confident and would say you could even help others?

For years I would have said, “Nope, not me.”

Truthfully, I would never let myself get really good at anything. You know why? Because that meant I would possibly draw attention to myself and actually be seen by someone. 😳

Have you ever experienced similar fears?

Does the thought of being seen both intrigue you and terrify you at the same time? 🙋🏻‍♀️

You are not alone.

These days I can say that I have come to call myself an expert in something. And you know what that thing is? ME!

Me and my path to wellness recovery.

I recognized my own expertise a few weeks ago when I noticed the orange leaves begin to fall off the trees.

The changing of the season can be a difficult time for me and with it can come complex emotions. I could feel my energy and mood dropping as the days drew shorter.

Instead of being unaware of what was happening in me or what I needed, my plan went into action. I asked myself how I was feeling and what I needed. I communicated with my support people about how I was doing and how they could support me. I let my body tell me what was essential each day. Following its lead looked like being more quiet, sleeping more, spending time in nature, being playful and creative. 🍂

And you know what? Even though I was experiencing some intense feelings similar to ones in the past that have caused me to fall into a deep depression, lose my words, and isolate myself from the world, that is not my present reality anymore. I can still experience those same feelings, but they don’t get to take me somewhere I don’t want to go. Because, as the expert on my own path to wellness recovery, I remain in the driver’s seat of my life. 

Within a week, I was back to talking, interacting with my people, going places, doing things. And all the while I stayed true to myself. It feels pretty good to be an expert in that way.

I am an expert in knowing myself and what I need to be well. And daily I am becoming even more of an expert. I am and I am becoming. You see? 🙂

Expert is not a final destination for me— like, that’s it I’ve figured it all out and I don’t need anyone else now. 

Nope, not at all. In fact, being an expert on myself has shown me just how much I need others in my life and safe spaces to talk about my mental health and wellness. 
❤️❤️❤️

Your presence matters here. 🫶

You can listen to this week’s episode here 👉 17 | Becoming an Expert on Your Own Path to Wellness Recovery

Pause

Breathe

Become aware

Check in and Reflection Questions: ✍️

1. Do you feel like an expert on your path to wellness recovery? Why or why not?

2. Have you allowed other voices to be an authority and have the final say in your wellness recovery? If yes, how has that felt for you?

3. Do you find yourself wondering what a path to Wellness Recovery even is or where to even start? What is one step you could take today on your path?

Want to share your reflection with me?

Reply to this email and your words will come directly to me.

Want to share your reflection with the community?

Leave a comment. 🫶

Just a reminder: I am a Certified Peer Counselor and Wellness Recovery Coach. I use my own lived experience of mental health and wellness recovery to walk alongside others in their recovery. I am not a medical doctor or clinical counselor. I do not attempt to diagnose or prescribe. If you or a loved one needs immediate care, please seek out your nearest health care provider or call 911. 

Also be aware that anytime we are talking about mental health, any number of topics could trigger our emotions. Please take precautions while listening and seek out support if needed.