Learning to Reach Out

Before recovery, I handled everything alone. When I was struggling, I didn't call anyone. When I was confused, I didn't ask for help. When I was overwhelmed, I just pushed through. I thought that was strength – not needing anyone, not burdening anyone with my problems.

It taught me how to reach out, how to share myself and my feelings. This is one of the most valuable lessons Step Five gave me. Reaching out isn't weakness. Sharing myself isn't burdensome. Expressing my feelings isn't too much. The isolation I called strength was actually keeping me sick.

Step Five taught me to reach out by requiring it. I couldn't do this Step alone. I had to pick up the phone and ask someone to listen. I had to schedule time. I had to show up vulnerable and honest. And the world didn't end. In fact, connection happened.

Now when I'm struggling, I can reach out instead of isolating. That skill I learned in Step Five – how to share myself and my feelings – I use constantly. It's become foundational to my recovery.

When I'm struggling and my instinct is to handle it alone, I can practice the skill Step Five taught me. Reach out. Call my sponsor. Share what's actually happening. The isolation doesn't protect me – it keeps me stuck. Connection is where healing lives.