Recovery Isn’t Perfect—And That’s Okay

There are days when the struggle is real.

I just want to state, for the record, that for as much as I’ve learned over these many years in recovery and for as far as I’ve come, there are still days I struggle. I would love you to think I have it all together and that I’ve conquered every single codependent, people-pleasing issue, but that would be a bold-faced lie.

It’s still there. Lingering in the background. Sometimes it’s quiet, almost invisible, but other days it tries to claw its way back to center stage. It’s like an intruder—one of those moments in a suspense movie where someone is banging on your door, trying to force their way in. You’re on the other side, bracing against it, using all your strength to slam it shut. The struggle is real, and some days it’s exhausting. Pro tip: Don’t forget to breathe—holding your breath while fighting an imaginary door doesn’t help.

The truth about recovery from codependency is that it’s not a linear path. It’s messy and full of moments where you find yourself slipping into old patterns. It’s human to have moments of vulnerability—to feel the pull of habits you’ve spent years trying to unlearn. What matters is recognizing it when it happens and finding the courage to push back against it.

In those moments, I remind myself that progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about perseverance. Each time I catch myself overextending, saying “yes” when I really mean “no,” or bending over backward to make someone else happy at my own expense, I try to pause. Sometimes, I even laugh at myself and say, “Seriously? We’re still doing this?” I remind myself of how far I’ve come and the tools I’ve gathered along the way.

Recovery isn’t about never falling; it’s about learning to get back up—again and again. It’s about giving yourself grace when the old struggles resurface and knowing you’re not alone in the fight. And let’s be honest, sometimes grace looks like eating an entire pizza while watching reruns of your favorite comfort show.

If you’re in the thick of your own recovery journey, just know this: you don’t have to have it all figured out. No one does. It’s okay to admit when you’re struggling. Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s strength. And if all else fails, a good cry and a nap can work wonders.

On this blog about recovering from codependency, I’ve shared many stories about this journey—the good, the bad, and the downright ridiculous. If you’re looking for a little inspiration or just need to know you’re not alone, I hope you’ll check it out. Together, we can remind each other that we’re all works in progress—and that’s more than enough.