Topic Tuesday // What does recovery mean to you? // 17 Oct. 7pm AEDT

Defining it is difficult as I think recovery is unique to each individual. Personally recovery to me is a journey that gradually brings about the ability to engage within the community, to be at peace with oneself, to be able to participate in activities such as sport or work and to accept any changes life may have bought and adapt to them. Obtaining a sense of contentment with ones self !

My 20yr old daughter sustained a severe TBI two years ago. She was not expected to live but she's a warrior and after 4 months in hospital learning to walk, talk,eat all over again her recovery is nothing short of miraculous. Physically she has a slight limp so looks "fine" but neuro fatigue, heightened emotions, instability in moods etc will be a life long journey. Recovery is a process...for some its a matter of healing bones so is a short process for others like my daughter recovery is a life long process. Will she ever fully recover..no! The word recovery means returning to a previous state yet I use it as a term in describing my daughter's journey. She's already studying at college and obtaining awesome grades so cognitively recovery in that area of her life has progressed at a faster rate than emotional recovery. I have come to the conclusion that recovery much like life is a journey not a destination and for some it is a life long journey. Its finding self contentment and peace on that journey that is key.

I dunno about that word 'recovery'. It tells me that i may return to a normal healthy mind or gain something I've lost. It already says 'I am not in the slotted box' lol I am out of it. I am and so? I will not be like my siblings or my two close friends. I switch topic's when I talk, jump conversations and ask others at work if I put meat out of the freezer. No one is judging me here I knooww...prehaps 'recovery' is self-determined. There we go?? self-determined ..what's another big word..I will google.