Getting Out of My Comfort Zone – Joseph’s Story
“I’ve been at HT for nine months now. Before coming here, my life was very lonely. I was very reclusive and not very social. I barely spoke to anyone, sometimes for months at a time.
When I first got here, I faced a lot of challenges. The curriculum is really helpful because of the repetition, but it took a lot of getting used to for me. And coming from the reclusive state I was in, it was uncomfortable to be thrown in around a bunch of guys who are also trying to get better.
At first, I was stubborn and clashed with the program. I wanted to do things my way. But my way is what got me here in the first place. Eventually, it clicked. It kind of felt like a lightbulb turned on and I started doing what they were suggesting, and things just started to make more sense. The recovery program is challenging, but finding recovery is worth the effort.
The two biggest things that I’ve learned through the program are that I don’t know everything, and that “I don’t know” is an acceptable answer. They go hand-in-hand. I always thought I had to have an answer and explanation for everything. But it’s okay to not always understand or have the answer.
My favorite part of being here is attending the silver chip ceremonies. I remember at the first one I ever went to – I sat there and looked at these guys who had completed the program with true admiration. And that hope is what encouraged me to stick around and lets me know that it’s possible.
I’m very hopeful for the future, even though I don’t necessarily know what’s ahead of me. I don’t know how things are going to work out, I just know that they’ll work out exactly how they’re supposed to be. And it’s reassuring to know that even after I leave here, I will still have support from the people here.” – Joseph, HT Participant
Join Healing Transitions for National Recovery Month as we try to raise $100,000 to give 90 people their first month in recovery! Find out how you can help out HERE!