What They Don’t Tell You About Recovery

Nothing Was Easy

They told me I’d be in a coma for three days. I woke up 24 days later.

What followed wasn’t a “miraculous comeback.” It was hell—mentally, physically, spiritually. I had hallucinations that still haunt me. I couldn’t lift my arms. My own legs felt like wood blocks. The ventilator tore my throat apart. I was a grown man learning how to sit up again.

And the truth is: no one prepares you for that kind of comeback.

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Recovery Isn’t a Light Switch

When people hear you’re “on the mend,” they picture you waking up, crying happy tears, then slowly walking into the sunshine like it’s a movie ending.

Nope.

Recovery feels like starting life from scratch—with less energy, less dignity, and zero instructions.

You’re surrounded by people who want to help but don’t understand. You’re battling fear, shame, and frustration while trying to figure out if the body you’re in will ever feel like you again.

And the hardest part?

The world moves on, but you’re stuck learning how to breathe.

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But Here’s What They Really Don’t Tell You:

• Your mindset matters more than your vitals.
  Your oxygen level might come up before your motivation does.
• You will feel like giving up. Multiple times. That’s normal.
  What matters is whether you do.
• No one’s coming to save you—but they might walk beside you.
  You don’t need a savior. You need a path and a guide. I’m doing my best to be both.
• Progress is slow. It’s frustrating. But it stacks.
  What’s weak today gets stronger next week. If you show up.

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🛠️ What Helped Me

I’m still rebuilding—body, mind, spirit. That’s why this blog exists.

But here’s what helped me get started:

1. Faith – My belief in God didn’t just give me hope—it gave me perspective.
2. Family – My wife fought beside me. And yes, sometimes that means keeping someone alive with ice chips and sarcasm.
3. Structure – I didn’t wait for motivation. I built daily habits and followed them anyway. (I’m currently doing 75 Hard.)
4. Ownership – I stopped asking “Why did this happen to me?” and started asking, “What can I do today?”

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🔚 If You’re Still in the Pit

If you’re in recovery—physical, emotional, or both—know this:

You’re not broken beyond repair.
You’re just under construction.
So go easy on yourself…
…but not too easy.

Your comeback starts the moment you believe it’s still possible.

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Pardon the dust. We’re rebuilding something beautiful here.