It’s an accepted idea that problems mean we did something wrong. Spirituality is a strong guide in my life and my recovery journey. I recently read a post on Instagram that hit me and reminds me of the quote above. “God is not in a hurry. You are. Trust that what was meant to be yours will be yours.”

How often are we rushing around trying to get past the obstacles in the fastest way possible? What if those barriers weren’t meant to be overcome? They could be directing us on another path to achieve out goals. My friend was able to achieve X by doing Y, but my achieving X may take Z. No path is wrong or better than the other. It’s important to realize that our map was made for us and nobody else.

I went straight through my undergraduate and graduate education, right after high school. I also had classmates in their 40s in graduate school. Each degree holds equal weight. One person was able to achieve recovery in one try and another in 15 tries. Recovery holds equal weight.

Let’s look at our problems, and see what they’re trying to show us. Maybe it’s telling you to turn left, and continue on your journey.

Kristen Ellis

Kristen has worked in the mental health field since 2013, with a focus on crisis work, substance use services, and bringing a voice to lived experience. Her ambition is to change the way mental health care and recovery is seen and achieved, so to redefine what it means to defeat adversity.