Life in recovery doesn’t take a holiday or long weekend. Whether it’s navigating sobriety, stroke recovery, living with migraines, or a vestibular disorder, perseverance is not an option. It is a requirement. A mantra in sobriety is simple: “I don’t drink no matter what.”
That concept runs deep for me. For stroke survivors, those dealing with chronic illness, or anyone recovering from a life-altering event, this mindset applies to not giving up no matter what.
We all have moments where we feel on the edge, whether from physical exhaustion, emotional stress, or facing setbacks in our health journeys. The simple yet unyielding mantra of “I don’t give up no matter what” helps remind us that we can endure, thrive, and continue forward—no matter how uncertain and scary things may seem.
Sobriety & Resilience
In recovery, whether from alcohol or illness, we learn that life’s ups and downs are inevitable. And sometimes, bad times and good times can be triggers. The excitement of a holiday weekend, for example, may bring back thoughts of the days when it meant drinking all weekend long. But, this mantra tells us we can still enjoy the good times without alcohol. For me, sobriety means I celebrate differently now. When something good happens, I can look up, smile, and say, “thank you” without needing a drink to mark the occasion.
Similarly, on the bad days, when the migraines hit, when my vestibular symptoms flare up, and I feel like I can’t do the simplest things, I remember that I don’t give up. I go to my coping tools instead, whether it’s taking a walk, journaling, or simply taking deep breaths to release tension.
Challenges in Stroke Recovery
Challenges are often given as a daily dose in stroke recovery. I recently committed to walking a mile at a 5K event to support mental health, but I know my body’s limitations. I’ve had to accept that pushing too hard will only hurt me, so my goal isn’t to do the whole race but to walk a mile.
For others dealing with similar chronic conditions, you might understand how frustrating symptoms like daily dizziness and headaches can be. And yet, I’ve come to see these as opportunities to practice patience and resilience. Do I want to practice this hard stuff every day? No. But, the other option is unacceptable.
There are setbacks—I walked too far the other day, I crochet’d too much yesterday, I opened my eyes in the car on the way to Petsmart—that leave me feeling frustrated and self-pity. But I didn’t see that as a failure; it’s a part of my journey. I note it down in my daily activity journal, learn about my limitations, and keep moving forward.
We Are Saving Each Other
One of the most powerful things I’ve learned in my sobriety, stroke, and vestibular recovery meetings is that we save each other. By sharing our stories and how we navigate life’s toughest moments, we give each other hope. I’ve heard some heart-wrenching stories in my meetings, but the shared commitment to not give up no matter what is truly life-saving. It’s a reminder that no matter what we face, we can heal together.