I am participating in a family effort to honor my mother, by getting my lovely friend and terrific photographer to take this picture of me with a bas-relief my mother created of an angel. My mother's cruelty to me could scarcely be exaggerated, and, after decades of attempting to heal the relationship, I chose to give up, and seek only distance from her. Hope bloomed. I began a novel, exploring her early life, as well as mine, and finding and expressing my love that way. Letting go of any hope of reconciliation led to the most profound regeneration.

I am Anishinaabe, my name is Niizh Animikii; Second Thunderbird. This photo represents a gift in the form of a path. I was in and out for years, trying to get well. There came a tipping point, where I became willing to do what was asked. So I followed instructions, asked for help, and surrendered. What this life has allowed me to do, amazes me. A Ph.D, two Masters Degrees. A rewarding career in tribal service. A loving partner, a home. This path has responsibilities and challenges. But greater still, it has love and kindness. This, we get to share this with each other. With love, Dr Littlewolf

Recovery has given me the ability to be the wife and mother that my family deserves. I am able to give my son the tools I was never given as a child; to be the person for him that I needed when I was younger. Because of my recovery, I am able to teach my son how to deal with big emotions, how to talk about our feelings, how to cope in healthy ways, and to always stay true to who he is. Through recovery, I have also discovered my true and authentic self. I have discovered my purpose, and found success in a way that fits MY life. Recovery has given me goals, dreams, inner peace, and self love.

This is a picture of my best friend Tracy who passed away in 2011 from a drug overdose. She is missed by so many family and friends. Her picture in my office and at home is a constant reminder of why I am committed to helping others achieve long term recovery.

She looked in the mirror and finally was at peace with her soul, she spoke to her mind and listened with mindfulness. She was full of innermost wisdom, The path that was paved for her was full of innermost freedoms. A path to walk alone to restore the life she lived before, young and feeding her ego. Not listening to her intuitions, taking Chances without the blessings. Relations with no weddings. Befriended bad habits. No time for self and self care she was emotionally, physically, mentally and brokenly impaired. Emotionally, physically, mentally not there. When I couldn't look in the mirror.

Recovery isn't that much different than climbing a mountain which I do frequently. Had this thought on my last hike where this photo was taken Broads Fork Trail // Salt Lake City, UT: "Don’t focus on the hill ⛰ Concern yourself with the steps in front of you. Those steps build stamina and contain their own wisdom. Their summation will lead to the summit or perhaps a path you discover and choose along the way. Pay attention." That's what 20 years of recovery has been for me <3

Recovery is a lifelong process, and social support is one of the most important factors in sustaining long-term recovery. To me, being a recovery ally means listening, educating myself (there is so much to learn and unlearn), and supporting those seeking freedom from addiction. Recovery is possible. Everyone deserves to have the chance at a life they dream of. Life grows even in the harshest of conditions.

Zeus seemed to know what I couldn’t explain to any human. Part of my recovery is dealing with lifelong anxiety and depression. Early in recovery, lying awake in silent, desperate rumination, Zeus woke up, ambled over, and stretched himself across my legs (something he had never done before). It snapped me out of it for a moment, and I looked up. With a satisfying doggie sigh, Zeus fell asleep on me. He reminded me that I’m not alone. Gradually, I have learned the importance of connection and mindfulness, but I will always remember the seemingly hopeless night that Zeus taught me both.

This is Joseph John Cooper, my great great grandfather. Despite the many interpersonal cruelties on that side of my family and the many addiction issues, he stands as a shining beacon from my past: hard-working, an inspiration to others, tender support to his mother, brave soldier in the Civil War who led his company when his commander fell, who passed up offers of fame and fortune in order to return to his hometown and continue the business he'd started before the war. I have this picture over my desk, and I converse with him in times of trouble about what to do next.

The things that filled me with suicidal and self destructive shame have become gifts that I can use to help others find hope and connection. It's my responsibility to carry the message. To give to others what was so freely given to me! The gift of Hope, Willingness and Recovery!! Through my community recovery meetings, family recovery supports, treatment centers and The Way Out Podcast; I share my experience, strength and hope. I pray that this helps some people receive the gift of recovery in their own life! #RecoveryWorks #Wedorecover

My husband celebrates 20 years in recovery this year. His recovery journey is central to who he is and how he moves through the world. It's a big part of why I fell in love with him, and why we get to be parents to the most beautiful 1-year-old. Thank you and "Happy Birthday" my love!

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This photo means the world to me, not just because it’s with my fiancé and my nephew. It means a lot to me because it shows that when you grow and recover it affects everyone just like your addiction does. I’m able to affect my nephew in a positive way. We were all wearing our sober squad shirts with pride to a family event. I have family that loves me and still supports me from my lowest times. And I’m even more grateful that I have sober support friends that turned into family. Recovery is family! Squad!

As a person in long term recovery of 12 years of continuous abstinence from all substances. Today I am a father to a wonderful 10 yr old boy. I Have sole legal and physical custody. I’ve raised Edward since he was an infant. Because of recovery, I have a relationship with my family again whom I was estranged from for over a decade because of heroin addiction. I’m a student and have 2 degrees in Human Services and a LADC! I have a partner who loves me and who I love unconditionally. I show up in people’s lives and am here to support those struggling within SUD. I’m a social justice advocate.

Because I Have Surrendered My Will To The Power of Gods Will....I Am Sober, I Am A Mother, I Am A Daughter, I Am A Sister, I Am A Grand Daughter. Taking It One Day, One Step At A Time. Sobriety To Me Means Having My Life Back And Most Importantly My Kids And My Family Back In My Life....By The Grace Of God I Am Alive And Living My Life Sober.....

This picture means growth in Recovery to me. This is a photo of us at our groundbreaking for our new home. This means a place for our family to always come to, and be together. In recovery all things are possible. We together have found recovery, and are living dreams that we could never have imagined. Less than 4 years ago we were actively using praying that something would save us because we were unable to save ourselves. Today life is filled with hopes and dreams, family, safety and daily blessings. Recovery is possible for anyone...

In my recovery I not only learned to love myself, but I found the love of my life. Gary and I have been married for 15 years now. We share a passion for quirky Americana, giant roadside architecture, and local dives and diners. When I was in active addiction, I couldn't imagine having the love and joy I've found in our partnership.There's nowhere I'd rather be than with him, on a long and winding road trip, cranking up the volume to our favorite car songs, and in search of the World's Largest Donut!

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Recovery to me, is the changes I have made in my life to create a whole new lifestyle. I entered treatment three years ago and have realized recovery is work in progress. Recovery has given me the ability to live a fulfilling life with the help and support of sober connections, family, and friends I have now become the person I have always wanted to be, by living a healthier lifestyle.

Recovery has given me the opportunity to adopt this beautiful girl! Zena is my emotional support animal, reminding me to take care of myself first in order to share the love I have for the world around me and carry the message. In her spare time Zena enjoys napping, learning new tricks, and chasing her laser. Zena holds me accountable to stick to my routines and program and show up to support her like she supports me!

Recovery gave me a 2nd chance (or 10) at life and because of that, I was able to help give Charlie girl a 2nd chance at life and nurse her back to life. She was abandoned by her mom and left to die cuz she the runt with a heart murmur and infested with worms, ear mites, and a yeast infection in the ears. Now she's the Queen of Hart House 👑 I owe my life to my Creator, and to the staff at Hart House. Without them and the time I've had to just be, I don't know that I'd have made it this far. Clean N Serene since 3-26-18