Raw Thoughts on Adversity

Adversity often reshapes us in ways we don’t immediately recognize. I learned this early in my recovery. Almost six months sober, I went through what felt like one of the worst events of my life. I was doing everything “right,” yet my life seemed to be falling apart. At the time, it didn’t make sense. What I couldn’t see then was how much that experience would shape me. It proved that I could endure something incredibly tough without falling back into old patterns. Now, when I face difficult days or uncertain seasons, I think back to that moment. It reminds me that I’ve already survived something I once believed I couldn’t. Over time, adversity can become more than just something we survive – it can strengthen our trust in ourselves, deepen our perspective, and propel us forward.

Sometimes, the moments that feel like they are breaking us are quietly building the strength we’ll rely on someday.

Helpful tip from the book Rebuilding Relationships in Recovery - Applying the principle of “letting go” to your adolescent.

Letting go during the teen years is one of the hardest parts of parenting. It’s not something that happens all at once; it’s a slow shift. One where you’re still there, still guiding, but not holding on quite as tightly. Teenagers are wired to push boundaries, try things out, and figure out who they are. What can feel like defiance is often just part of growing up.

Letting go doesn’t mean stepping away. They still need structure and boundaries. But they also need room to make decisions, to mess up, and to learn from it. Over time, we move from controlling everything to helping them think things through. And we start to display trus in them and respect for them, our relationships grow

Because the goal isn’t to get it perfect. It’s to stay connected.

When that balance is there, you become the place they come back to - their landing place - when they need support, guidance, or just someone to listen.

Additional Resources For Information and Help

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline dial 988 is now the three-digit dialing code that routes callers to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

For substance abuse treatment and mental health referrals, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357

AA world service - https://www.aa.org

Al-anon - https://al-anon.org/

Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families - https://adultchildren.org/

Please share this newsletter with anyone you think might find it helpful. My mission is to reach anyone struggling with their addiction, mental health, or their ability to reconnect with their friends and family. Please feel free to email me with questions or information.