We’re living in hectic times and it can be easy to forget to take a moment to acknowledge our growth and really celebrate our accomplishments.

Making the time to truly commemorate our recovery milestones is a fun and important way to check in with ourselves in our journey. Recovery milestones are powerful reminders that recovery is not only possible – it’s incredible!

No matter if it’s been one week, six months, or 20 years, treat yourself for all the hard work you’ve put into creating a better life for yourself.

So, what should you do to mark these milestones? Let’s dive into some fun and meaningful ways to celebrate recovery milestones.

Make it a Special Occasion
These days shouldn’t go unrecognized. Treat it like an anniversary or a birthday. It’s a day that means a lot in your journey and often means a lot to your loved ones. Why not deck out your place with balloons and a cake and take some pictures to honour the day? Get together with the people that have been there for you through the ups and downs of your recovery and make it a day to remember.

Pay it Forward
Help provide hope and healing for women in recovery and help the women of Avalon by paying it forward with a donation. Avalon is a non-profit that has been helping hundreds of women for 30 years on their road to recovery.

Thanks to our compassionate, caring, and safe spaces, women can heal themselves, and in turn, help one another. Even though we are facing unprecedented challenges in the COVID-19 crisis, we have kept our doors open and have expanded our online reach to provide life-changing recovery services.

If you’re in a position where you are able to give back, please consider making a donation to Avalon today!

Get Yourself a Memento
To mark each milestone, get yourself a coin, a pin, a chip, and/or other recovery doodads. Having a tangible reminder of how far you’ve come in your recovery is an encouraging way to keep going. You could also engrave a personal item that you use every day like a piece of jewelry or a watch to have a daily reminder of your recovery.

Share it on Social Media
Post your success on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, anywhere and everywhere and soak up the praise from your recovery allies and peers. There’s nothing more rewarding than getting well-deserved shout outs from your recovery community.

Buy Yourself a Present
Why not splurge and get yourself a little special something to commemorate the day? Treating yourself will keep you motivated to keep moving forward in your recovery. Plus, every time you see your new gift, you’ll be reminded of all you’ve accomplished to get where you are today.

Plan a Weekend Getaway

Make a trip out of it! After all, it is a MILESTONE, isn’t it? Go somewhere that’s been on your bucket list. Get your loved ones together or make it a solo trip and hit the road. Recovery is about enjoying life’s experiences and there’s nothing more adventurous than taking a fun weekend getaway to celebrate.

Get a Tattoo
Tattoos remind you of different points in your life – and every day in your recovery is a significant one. Decorate your body with beautiful art that constantly reminds you of who you’ve become and the strength you’ve had to get to where you are today.

Surround Yourself with Loved Ones
Being around loved ones helps remind you that people are counting on you to stay healthy. There’s no question that these milestones are important for them too, so make it a day to show them your appreciation and gratitude for being a part of your journey.

Enjoy Your Favourite Meal or Treat
Treat yourself to something delicious that you don’t indulge in every day. Get a cake or go out for a fancy dinner. You deserve to treat yourself to something you love so don’t hesitate to show yourself you’re worth it.

Do it For You
You don’t have to shout your recovery story on the rooftops if you don’t want to. You can keep it between you and you only. Even if you’re not sharing your recovery milestones with others, you still deserve to celebrate and treat yourself to something special for making it another day in your recovery journey.

Spend it with Your Avalon Sisters
Share your recovery milestones with your community of supportive women at Avalon Recovery Society. Grab a chip, attend a meeting, and share your achievements with your Avalon Sisters. We have free meetings 365 days a year you can join via zoom or in person. Find a meeting to attend.