The Myth of 'Being Done' in Recovery: Part 1

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "I just want to be done with this recovery thing already"? If so, you're not alone. The idea of reaching a finish line in recovery is tempting, but it's also one of the most pervasive myths in the journey toward healing. In this first part of our three-part series, let's explore why the concept of "being done" is so appealing and why it's ultimately misleading.

The Allure of the Finish Line

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It's natural to yearn for a clear endpoint in recovery. After all, who doesn't want to cross that finish line, collect their medal, and move on with their life? The idea of "being done" is attractive because it promises:

1. An end to the struggle
2. Freedom from constant vigilance
3. A return to "normalcy"

Imagine it: You wake up one day, and poof! All your food issues are resolved. You never have to think about your eating habits again. You're "cured." Sounds wonderful, doesn't it?

But here's the truth bomb: recovery isn't a race with a finish line. It's more like a journey of continuous growth and self-discovery. And that's actually a good thing!

The Reality: Recovery as a Lifelong Process

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Recovery isn't about reaching a destination; it's about the journey itself. It's a continuous process of growth, self-discovery, and healing. Just as we never stop growing as individuals, our recovery journey never truly ends. Instead, it evolves with us.

Think about it: Do you ever expect to be "done" with learning? With loving? With living? Of course not! Recovery is just as integral to our lives as these other ongoing processes.

The Psychological Pull of "Being Done"

Our desire to be "done" with recovery often stems from deeper psychological needs:

1. Instant Gratification: Remember how as a child, you wanted everything right now? That part of us doesn't fully disappear in adulthood. We still crave quick fixes and instant results. Recovery, however, is a slow and steady process.
2. Fear of Lifelong Struggle: The idea of committing to a lifelong journey can feel overwhelming. It's natural to fear that recovery will always be hard work. But here's a secret: it gets easier. The work you do becomes more intuitive, more integrated into your daily life.

Why the "Being Done" Myth is Harmful

Believing that we can be "done" with recovery can actually hinder our progress. It sets us up for disappointment when we face inevitable challenges. It can make us feel like failures when we struggle, even though struggles are a normal part of the journey.

Moreover, this myth can prevent us from embracing the beautiful, ongoing process of growth and self-discovery that recovery offers. When we're always looking for the finish line, we miss the scenery along the way.

Embracing the Journey

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So, if we're never "done," what are we aiming for? The goal isn't to reach some imaginary finish line, but to keep growing, learning, and evolving. It's about becoming more ourselves, more alive, more present in our lives.

Recovery isn't about getting "back to normal." It's about creating a new normal – one that's healthier, more authentic, and more fulfilling than before.

In the next part of this series, we'll explore how to shift our perspective from seeing recovery as a temporary "diet" to embracing it as a lifestyle. We'll delve into the benefits of this mindset shift and strategies for making it happen.

Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Every step you take is a victory, and every day is an opportunity for growth. You're not working towards being "done" – you're working towards being more fully alive.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll dive into practical ways to embrace recovery as a lifelong journey. Until then, be kind to yourself. You're doing great!