A Year of Growth in Recovery: Lessons & Looking Ahead to 2025

A Year of Growth and Discovery

Last year marked a significant turning point in my life—a year of growth, learning, and self-discovery. I faced a situation that pushed me to make an important change: leaving my role as a clinical support worker at the same treatment center where I once sought help for my own addiction. It was a decision that, though difficult, was necessary for my personal and professional growth.

Reflecting on how rewarding my time at the treatment center had been, I realized I was ready to pursue a more fulfilling path as a recovery coach. Engaging with individuals as they took their first steps in recovery, hearing their stories, and witnessing their courage was both humbling and inspiring. Being trusted with their fears and confusion, meeting family members, and hearing from clients who had rebuilt their lives made me realize that I could do even more as a full-time coach.

That year, I began intensive training through Still Here Recovery Coaching, and once I made the decision to leave my treatment center position, I dove headfirst into the whirlwind of building my own business. I created my website, refined my coaching philosophy, and most importantly, revisited my own recovery.

One of the most rewarding parts of my training was finding myself once again surrounded by people who shared my passion for helping others. Their deep commitment to making a difference was inspiring and reminded me of the times I had spent at other treatment centers, experiencing the support and transformation that recovery can bring.

I knew almost immediately that becoming a recovery coach was the right path for me. Every day, this commitment grows more meaningful and fulfilling..

Asking for Help: A Lesson Revisited

Throughout this journey, one lesson has stood out: the power of asking for help. It’s a lesson I first learned in the early days of my recovery, when asking for help seemed impossible. Back then, it felt like an admission of weakness, something that would expose me as incapable or morally lacking.

But what I’ve learned, both in recovery and in building this business, is that asking for help is one of the strongest things we can do. It’s an act of courage and trust that opens the door to growth and connection.

This past year, I leaned heavily on friends, mentors, and colleagues, seeking feedback, support, and guidance as I developed my business. One piece of advice that truly resonated was to focus on the “why” behind my work—ensuring that everything I created reflected my commitment to helping others in recovery. This simple reminder became the cornerstone of my approach to coaching, ensuring that everything I do stays true to my purpose.

I’m sure I drove a few people crazy with endless requests for edits and advice, but their encouragement and support were invaluable. This website, and the work I’m doing today, wouldn’t exist without them. For that, I’m deeply grateful.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

For New Year’s, I’m not focusing on big, sweeping resolutions. Instead, I’m embracing small, meaningful actions. Over Christmas, my son led a wonderful activity that I’d recommend to anyone: each person wrote down five things that were “in” for 2025 and five things that were “out.” It was a great way to reflect on our hopes for the year ahead, while also sharing positivity and connection. Hearing everyone’s aspirations was uplifting and inspiring.

One of my “ins” for 2025 is to pay more attention to my health and exercise routines. One of my “outs” is to stop yelling at the cyclists in my neighborhood!

For anyone reading this, I encourage you to keep it simple as you look ahead to the New Year. Focus on small, achievable goals and reflect on what’s truly important to you. Recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, and finding your own path is the greatest gift you can give yourself.

A Simple New Year’s Practice

For New Year’s, I’m not focusing on big, sweeping resolutions. Instead, I’m embracing small, meaningful actions. Over Christmas, my son led an activity that I’d recommend to anyone: each person wrote down five things that were “in” for 2025 and five things that were “out.” It was a wonderful way to reflect on our hopes for the year ahead while sharing positivity and connection. Hearing everyone’s aspirations and ideas was uplifting and inspiring. One of my “ins” was to pay more attention to my health and exercise routines. One of my “outs” was to stop yelling at the cyclists in my neighborhood!

For anyone reading this, I encourage you to keep it simple as you look ahead to the New Year. Focus on small, achievable goals. Reflect on what’s important to you and what you’re ready to let go of. Recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, and finding your own path is the greatest gift you can give yourself.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As I move into 2025, I’m filled with hope and excitement. I look forward to continuing this work, helping others find their unique road to recovery, and building connections that inspire growth and transformation. My goal is to help others build meaningful recovery. Learn how I do that with Recovery Coaching. If you’re ready to take the next step this year, I’m here to help. Let’s make 2025 the best year yet—together.