Things I Needed to Hear in Early Recovery

Recovery cracked me open in a thousand ways I didn’t expect. I thought I was just removing something — drugs and alcohol, unhealthy behaviours, coping mechanisms. But I was really making space for everything I actually needed.

If you're in early recovery right now, I want you to know: you're not alone. I see you. I was you. And there are things that other women in recovery shared with me when I was raw, tender, and just trying to get through the day.

Here are a few of those things — from my heart to yours.

1. It’s okay if you don’t feel “better” right away.

Healing isn’t instant. It’s not linear. And it definitely isn’t glamorous. You might feel worse before you feel better — that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means your body, mind, and spirit are thawing. Stay with yourself.

2. You don’t have to do this perfectly.

There’s no such thing as perfect recovery. Some days you’ll feel strong. Some days you’ll crumble. What matters is your willingness to begin again. Recovery lives in the re-choosing, not the performance.

3. Your emotions aren’t too much.

The sadness, rage, grief, numbness, joy — it’s all part of the process. You’ve likely spent a long time avoiding or numbing your feelings. Now they’re coming home to be felt. Let them. You can handle it, I promise.

4. You are allowed to rest.

You don’t have to hustle for your healing. Rest is productive. Stillness is sacred. Your nervous system needs softness, not just structure. Breathe. Nap. Turn off your phone. That’s recovery, too.

5. You are worthy, even when you feel broken.

Your worth was never tied to your productivity, your past, your pain, or your progress. You are innately worthy. Just as you are. Especially when you forget it.

6. You get to build a life that actually feels good.

Not just a life that looks good. A life that feels like exhale. Like peace. Like you. Recovery isn’t just about what you’re letting go of — it’s about what you’re reclaiming.

7. Find your people.

You don’t have to do this alone. Find those who see you, who honor your journey, who understand the language of healing. Whether it’s in-person, online, in a moon circle or a meeting — connection heals.

This is just the beginning, love.

The fact that you’re here — reading this — means you’re already doing the brave thing. Keep going. Keep choosing yourself. The path of recovery is not easy, but it is sacred. And you are walking it with courage.

With you,

Taryn

P.S. If you're looking for a community that understands SHE RECOVERS is here for you. We are a beautiful movement and support network for women and non-binary folks in or seeking recovery — from substance use, mental health challenges, loss, burnout, and more. You don't have to walk this path alone.

And if you feel called to deepen your healing in sacred space, I also co-host recovery retreats (with my Mom, also in recovery!) Learn more about our upcoming retreats here (insert your retreat page link). We'd be honored to hold space for you.