There is an old Japanese proverb that goes, "Fall seven times, stand up eight." This is a good concept to grasp for those of us in recovery. Recovery takes commitment, it's not easy, and it very rarely unfolds in a straight line.
Most people in recovery, regardless of what they are recovering from, experience setbacks. Actress Mackenzie Phillips, a friend and beloved figure in the She Recovers community, writes about the nonlinear nature of her own recovery from trauma and a near-fatal substance use disorder in her book Hopeful Healing: Essays on Managing Recovery and Surviving Addiction.
Mack is a living example of what it looks like to never give up, despite experiencing some devastating stumbles along her own recovery journey. Her advice?
"Brush that shit off and get back on the horse." Sage words from a brilliant actress and wise woman who devotes much of her life today to working with people in recovery from trauma and addictions. Mine your setbacks for meaning, but don't ever give up.