Finding Light in the Changing Seasons

As the summer winds down, I’m reminded of how recovery often mirrors the natural rhythm of the seasons. For many, the end of summer is bittersweet. The long days of sunlight begin to shorten, the air cools, and the shift toward fall can stir up unexpected emotions. It’s a time when some people feel energized by new beginnings, while others struggle with sadness or loss as the days grow darker.

In recovery, these transitions can feel even more intense. Addiction thrives in times of uncertainty, and seasonal change can bring an extra layer of challenge. The fading light and cooler evenings sometimes remind us of what’s been lost or stir up old feelings we’d rather not face. That’s why this time of year can be especially difficult for those of us walking the path of sobriety it asks us to ground ourselves even more deeply in our routines, support systems, and self-compassion.

For me, the turn of the season holds a special meaning. My recovery date is September 1st. Each year when I reach that day, I reflect not only on the difficulty of my own journey but also on the extraordinary gift it has given me: the ability to walk alongside others who are still struggling. What started as a desperate step toward saving my own life has become a calling to support people in finding their own path out of addiction.

Recovery is not easy especially when the world around us feels like it’s changing in ways we can’t control. But every year when the days grow shorter, I remember that light still exists, even if we have to look harder for it. That’s what recovery has taught me: we may not always choose the seasons of our lives, but we can choose how we respond, and we can build something meaningful from the challenges we face.

As September begins, I celebrate not just my own sobriety, but the resilience of everyone in recovery. We are proof that change, though difficult, can lead to growth. Just like the seasons, we continue to evolve.