The Three Phases of Recovery

Sometimes life kicks us in the teeth. Physically, emotionally, mentally, or relationally. Here are the three steps to recovering.

Last October, I experienced a significant injury to my right hip while playing baseball.

It wasn't just another "old guy getting hurt playing a sport he probably shouldn't be playing" injury.

Nope. This one brought me to my knees, literally and metaphorically.

It was the most excruciating injury I've faced, turning me from an active 42-year-old to someone barely able to enjoy life. Walking hurt. Laughing hurt. Coughing hurt. Driving hurt. I was a mess.

Reflecting on that injury 15 months later, I realized recovery encompassed three distinct phases.

And I also realized these phases apply universally to any challenging situation we encounter in life—illness, broken relationships, failed businesses.

They all share a similar trajectory because, fundamentally, recovery is a human condition.

In this newsletter, I'll outline these three phases of recovery.

My aim is to inspire perseverance in whatever struggle you're facing. And if you're not in recovery at the moment, keep this close; inevitably, we all find ourselves there.

Step One: Convalescing

Convalescing revolves around getting back to an average state. "Stopping the bleeding," so to speak.

But the tricky thing is, since this phase occurs at the height of the pain and discomfort, it's tough to push through. By definition, in this moment, we lack some of the tools we need to get through it.

When we're suffering, sometimes we simply can't rally ourselves to get the help we need.

Yet, in this phase, moving from this center point is crucial. Stagnation will lead nowhere substantial, and progress will take far longer.

During healing, relying on others might be necessary, which is uncomfortable for many of us. Yet, asking for and accepting help is essential during this phase to move to the next stage—stability.

Step Two: Stability

Stability entails building a robust foundation after overcoming the initial convalescing phase.

For instance, in my recovery journey, short walks evolved into longer ones, then into jogging, eventually leading to short runs.

Simultaneously, I focused on my diet and mental well-being, pursuing a positive outlook and adequate rest.

It's okay to stay in this phase for a long while. You've broken through the resistance of convalescing, so you're out of the danger zone.

Now is the time to marinate a bit until you feel you've fully recovered mentally, physically, and emotionally.

But don’t stop there.

Step Three: Accelerating

The final phase, often overlooked, is about strengthening oneself further.

After convalescing and achieving stability, it's easy to settle for "good enough."

But the key is emerging more robust, reducing vulnerability to future setbacks.

It demands pushing beyond comfort zones, acknowledging gratitude for progress, and striving to prevent relapse.

We've all been around people who have emerged from adversity even stronger than before. Perhaps that's a part of adversity's role in the human condition: a reminder that we can continue to improve.

Conclusion

Recovery is arduous, and none of us relish going through it. But avoidance isn't an option. We can navigate the journey together by following these steps and rallying support.

This post aims to offer encouragement and guidance for anyone facing a challenging recovery.

Remember, seeking help and support is crucial; we're not meant to go through these trials alone.

Wishing you a joyous and refreshing holiday season.

I’d love it if a few more folks read this newsletter. Might you consider forwarding it to someone you think might benefit from it?

Books of Note: Instead of a book of note, how about a bookshop of note? I've moved my book purchases from Amazon to bookshop.org. The reason? You can select an independent bookstore to "buy through," and a portion of our purchase goes to them. And with the pending opening of our new independent bookstore in Modesto, I thought you might like to know about this platform. Check it out!

I’d love a follow over on X (Twitter) and Linkedin, as I post things there that are either too brief for the newsletter or are just entertaining things I come up with over a responsibly-sized serving of Blanton’s.