The Trail is the Thing: A Year of Daily Reflections based on Pathways to Recovery: A Strengths Recovery Self-Help Workbook

Since the first printing of Pathways to Recovery: A Strengths Recovery Self-Help Workbook, readers have asked, “Are you going to revise the book?” What quickly became evident was not more information or another class but a way of incorporating the material into one’s daily life. Yes, it’s helpful to attend classes and complete recovery tools, but if the material isn’t used to help “get a live,” then all the tools in the world won’t change a thing...It seemed clear there should be a next step in the journey... The idea for this book came as one of those stray thoughts that occur in life—an ‘aha’ moment that begins to pop into your head and never leaves. The Trail is the Thing is the result of almost two years of work from four authors and more than twenty individuals who provided their ideas, edits and support to bring readers of Pathways to Recovery a new tool. This book is about finding the things in life that give passion, purpose and meaning. It’s about learning and growing and reclaiming only those parts of one’s past that are needed in order to move on. It’s about taking each day as it comes, living and appreciating this moment, for we can’t change the past and we sure can’t predict the future... Each of the daily reflections include a quotation from the original Pathways text, a short reflection and “Just for Today” which gives readers suggested activities, questions or thoughts to think about for that day.

Lori Davidson Lori was one of the original authors of Pathways to Recovery and continues her work with the book. She uses her story to let others know there are lots of different kinds of recovery. It was in her mind that the book swirled around for so long. Suzette Mack Suzette has a long history of involvement in creative projects, including Pathways to Recovery. She is an artist, dancer, author and poet who you will often find outside reveling in whatever nature has for her that day... Lesa Weller Lesa is an artist and writer who uses her creativity and artistic talents to support her recovery journey. She is passionate about and advocates for mental wellness. She is also the only author of this book who always met her deadlines. Julie Bayes Julie was also one of the original authors of Pathways to Recovery. She is an writer and communication specialist, sharing her talents as an advocate and person in recovery throughout her life’s healing journey. She now enjoys sushi with her partner! Jan Kobe Jan was the main illustrator for Pathways to Recovery; she graciously let us use her artwork again. Jan’s creativity has been a major part of her life & she has created an arts program for her peers. She’s also writing a children’s book.