The Courage to Do the Inner Work (Weekly Recovery Reflection)
True freedom is born not just from what we lay down, but from what we’re willing to face within.
Quote
“You can choose courage or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both.” — Brené Brown
My Thoughts
Recovery often asks us to look inward, and sometimes what we see is uncomfortable — old wounds, patterns, and truths we’d rather avoid. Yet it’s in this deep inner work where true transformation takes root. Courage isn’t about having it all together; it’s about staying present and willing when the work feels hard.
As Labor Day reminds us of the dignity of work and the balance between effort and rest, we can see recovery in a similar light. Doing the labor of the soul — the journaling, the amends, the honest inventory — may not always feel joyful in the moment. But just like physical labor builds strength and community, inner work builds resilience, freedom, and the capacity to experience joy without the weight of old chains.
Action for the Week
This week, take 10 quiet minutes to reflect on one area of your inner life you’ve been avoiding. Write it down — not to judge or fix it right away, but simply to name it with honesty. Then ask yourself: What would courage look like here? Let your answer guide a small, gentle action — a phone call, a prayer, a boundary, or even just sitting with your truth without turning away.