I’ve always heard that the first step in recovery is admitting you have a problem. I completely agree because how can you recover if you don’t know there is something that needs to be different?

I like this quote because I think, no matter what you are recovering from, you have to forgive yourself. Addicts need to forgive themselves for the harm they caused. People in recovery from grief need to forgive themselves for resentments they harbored or maybe they feel guilt or regret that needs to be forgiven. It could be anything but the key is to search inside and find those barriers. Remind yourself you are human, doing the best you can with who you are and what you’ve got and forgive. Then use the fresh start to move into a brand new journey filled with love, hope, and grace.

Sarah Deats

Sarah Deats is the Hope Inc. Stories Inspiration Engineer. Her goals are to make a connection with everyone that she can while building community, spreading hope, and sparking change. She believes that while life may not be easy, it is never lived alone.