I write and talk about how recovery is an ongoing process because it really is worth repeating. Take away the fact that our lives are complicated and that our healing unfolds layer by layer, and let go of the idea that we can change incredibly complex things about ourselves overnight, and you are left with several holy truths.
The first holy truth is that recovery doesn't have an end point—for anyone. If recovery were a symbol, the infinity symbol would be appropriate.
The second holy truth is that our recovery—our individual, unique experiences of healing and growth—expands and progresses on our own timelines. We can "be recovered" in some ways in our lives, but we're always recovering in others.
Recovery is not a race, and we get to address the pieces that need attention when we determine the time is right for each piece. There will be important events taking place along our recovery journey, and many will be celebratory, but they are just markers of the journey, not the journey itself.
I am not sure where I am headed in the process, but I'm excited to keep going.