September is National Recovery Month, led by SAMHSA—the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. SAMHSA operates to improve access to mental health and substance use treatment. Each year, they emphasize the strength and possibilities that lie in the arms of recovery.

Self-care in recovery isn’t about escape—it’s about presence. I’ve learned to slow down, notice the world around me, and reconnect with something bigger than myself. Sometimes that looks like a quiet walk, sitting by the water, or simply giving myself permission to be still. Sobriety taught me that real self-care isn’t a luxury or indulgence—it’s a lifeline, and one I’ll keep chasing.

Service work quickly became a cornerstone of my sobriety. In those early days, I made a simple commitment: if there was a chance to help someone else in recovery, I’d show up and say yes. That choice shaped my first year sober—and still keeps me grounded today.