you’re doing great

When we face hard things, all of us can use a little help. Understanding helps. Appreciation helps. Kindness from others makes the effort less hard, or more meaningful, and sometimes both.

Early in recovery, my sponsor would often say, “you’re doing great.” A part of me thought, “lady, are you nuts?” Nothing felt great, nothing looked great, and nothing was great. Another part of me held on to those three words as hope: “Please let her be right about this.”

“You’re doing great” became kind of a mantra for me and I started saying it to myself, especially when I was anxious and felt overwhelmed. (Soooo many feelings in those early days!) After saying it some hundred times, I began to see it, and I began to believe it.

This little phrase says so much: “I know it’s painful. I understand how hard you’re working. I see you changing.” Next time you see someone doing the work, let her know: You’re doing great!