What does recovery look like to you?

In honor of Recovery Month 2020, we invited community members to share photos and describe how they represented “recovery” to them. Recovery is everywhere, so we also asked people to share photos representing personal recovery, family recovery, recovery advocacy, recovery pets, hope, recovery allies, recovery professionals, honor guard (10+ years of recovery) and remembering a loved one.

Thank you to everyone for sharing your powerful stories of hope and resiliency. We received over 200 photos!

JeremyRecovery means having an authentic relationship with the world--to people, pets, and the work in my life. It is the ground upon which perpetual growth can spring.

MikeHappy joyous and free!

Beautiful long-haired gray tabby cat looking out the window

WendyIda Mae (the world's most beautiful cat) is just one of many feline family members who supported my recovery!

Small brown and white dog with peeking out from behind a blanket

JohnThis is Peyton, I like to say I rescued him. But to be honest he rescued me.

Ann

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!

Kevin

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.

Man smiling and holding dog wearing a bandana

GeorgeGeorge and Gracie Lou , recovery is hard work and dedication ! One day at a time ! Thanks to Creator for second chance at life. Miigwech 🙏🏼 thanks !

AlSammy has PTSD. He is a rescue. Recovery has given me the patience to love and care for him even when he has flashbacks. Recovery is everywhere.

SamThe hungriest, thirstiest, slobbery-est and far and away the funnest, most rewarding gift my recovery has given me has been my friendship with the good boy Koskie Dog.

Smiling woman indoors with a green and yellow bird perched on her finger.

TiffanyAfter my recovery I found the beauty in my birds! I never thought I would be a bird owner but after my recovery my mind has opened to more beautiful things in life.

CindyAwesome walk to the park, and celebrate with Mountain Dew!

Woman holding a grey kitten, word "love" written across photo

Elizabeth

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

Small white fluffy dog sitting on deck outdoors

GloriaSophie has been our steadfast companion during the last 13 years of our Recovery.

A grey tabby and orange tabby asleep while snuggling

SusieMy support staff while working from home. You get what you pay for.

NadineMaking Pepper happy everyday keeps me grounded.

Lizzie"Charlie" she keeps me going in my recovery, celebrating 29 months. Missions Inc, Hart House

MikeHe’s a good boy.

Woman hugging big black fluffy dog with white chest, both smiling.

RandiMy buddy💕

Woman with glasses kissing orange tabby cat.

SaraEmmaGordon has an intuitive way of sensing the emotions of humans around him. Jumping in to snuggle those who need it most, without fail, at exactly the right moment, every time. He is most certainly a creature comfort who supports my recovery.