These TheraSpecs glasses I've been wearing daily to manage my vestibular migraines have allowed me to start living more freely. It reminds me of the tools in my sobriety program that have enabled me to start living more freely as well. The only way to acquire these everyday tools is through taking action. I have to actively engage with my recovery tools daily to maintain this level of free living.

Just as my TheraSpecs helped manage my migraine pain and make daily life more manageable, attending meetings and engaging with the recovery community helps alleviate the internal pain of alcoholism. These tools don't magically solve problems but provide the support needed to deal with life effectively. Just as with these glasses, if I remove the sobriety meetings and the 12 steps from my life, the pain will come back and it is immediate.

There’s a common misconception that recovery is a passive experience, perhaps just resting. But that's not accurate. Recovery is active, not passive; we are constantly taking steps to strengthen the roots of our sobriety and physical healing. Every day, I’m doing something proactive for my recovery, whether it’s attending a sobriety meeting, support group, speaking with my women in my network, stroke survivors, vestibular patients, or practicing mindfulness, meditating, and self-care.

One of the core principles of recovery is learning to face life on life's terms. This means accepting the realities of life without trying to escape through alcohol or drugs. Facing life, accepting realities, adapting, and changing is active. Escaping is passive and even defensive.

The backbone of true recovery is action. I have to wake up and put my rose colored glasses on each morning—pun intended. Each action I take, no matter how small, is a part of building a sturdy, sober, joyful, pain free life.

Think about what tools you have in your recovery and if you are actively engaging with them on a daily consistent basis. This is the way to healing.