Some of us who live in one day at a time recovery are people living with disabilities. What many people don’t realize is living with a a major mental illness is more than a major inconvenience. Some of us are disabled. More often than not we appear to be like the non-disabled person. We appear to have a degree of intelligence as any average person might have, but when outside of our routine we struggle and life can be very difficult. We cannot function and adapt like regular people do. If you’re not living with a mental health disability we don’t expect you to understand. For some of us it is impossible to find and maintain gainful employment. Some of us struggle so badly that we cannot have or maintain healthy relationships. And still some of us cannot have or fulfill reasonable and realistic goals. And in trying to do so, many of us suffer greatly. One of our true realities is we do love and value other people. Our one day at a time recovery has made it possible that we do work casually or part-time and maintain a few healthy relationships. Our goal planning becomes simple and realistic even though we struggle with outlandish plans and ideas. With love and support we can adapt to a reasonable and reasonably happy life. And we also understand being happy, joyous, and free. Our reality though is living with a major mental illness is more than a major inconvenience. It is difficult and disabling. Nonetheless we walk our path with love and hope living life one day at a time.
