We could fill an entire ocean with the stories of the miracles we’ve encountered on our recovery journeys, couldn’t we? Though, to be certain, the most touching and amazing miracles I have seen are those that have to do with individuals gaining an ability to truly love and serve others, and how their lives take on new meaning.

What a stark contrast this is when we reflect back upon the days when all we could do was survive another day. In my work as a mental health life coach, I am honored daily to see the metamorphosis of some pretty broken people into strong, compassionate and hopeful individuals. But the most meaningful stories, those that stop me in my tracks and cause me to reflect, are those based on the experiences through my own recovery.

It wasn’t so long ago when my disorder had brought me to my knees, in all the best and worst ways. I found myself knocking on the door of a couple who were referred to me as those who had been down a similar path. Because of their experience, they now had much to share, both in terms of information and support, and willingly provided much that I needed during my darkest days.

As I began slowly recovering strength of mind and character, they allowed me to serve with them in their local support to family members of those suffering from my particular flavor of sickness, Borderline Personality Disorder . They were also very involved with the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder, (NEA-BPD), www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.org.

I was amazed to learn of the love and devotion of those family members, and it helped me to remember much about the commitment and dedication of my own family, which I’d lost along the way. So, while I became closer to them, I also became closer to my own family once more.

I’d lost so much about myself through the years, but my sense of self began to reclaim shape and form as I gained competency through therapy and sharing my experiences.

Though grateful for my work with family members, I also felt compelled to offer support to those recovering from mental disorders. I wanted others, just like me, to experience the love and outreach I had found. There seemed so little out there, but I knew others would benefit from the love and service I’d found. My friends, the Halls, began helping me find a means to deliver a support group for consumers to our local community. Soon we began meeting with and speaking to many individuals were able to assist us with this venture.

Interestingly, at some point in during this process, my relationship with the Halls began to change. Once I had been utterly empty, in need of help and I had leaned heavily upon them. But the emptiness slowly gave way to being filled up with things I could provide to others. I developed skills that had eluded me before, such as a developed sensitivity to meeting others’ needs, information to share on how it all worked, plus compassion, courage and strength. I found myself able to give to them, as well as others, in many ways. Over time, we have become very dear friends, enjoying both giving and receiving from one another.

My dream for consumer support was realized when the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI, launched a new program for peer-led support groups, aptly called NAMI Connections. After training and phone calls and emails and more, on February 11, 2009 my friend and I facilitated our first group.

I can’t help but take the time to reflect on the path that has led me to this place in my recovery. First my own diagnosis, then finding therapy and support of others who have become friends. Now we are serving others together. My life has changed. I am able to help and support as I was helped and supported. This is a miracle. I have dreamed of this group and with NAMI Connections, the dream is a reality. Another miracle. And there have been so many more.

As I serve my fellow recoverers, I have the advantage of the hope that tried and true lived experiences have taught me. I know that recovery is possible. I have done it. I have experienced many of the miracles that await these new folks. I can see clearly how some of their circumstances are about to turn around, for I know that life does get better. And I know that they will find friendships they have never known before, and that I may even become the privileged recipient of that friendship!

One day soon, they may begin serving others and building back their self esteem and the sense of competency that grounds us in staying sober and sane.

I just can’t help but think these are all miracles. It humbles me to see now how things do turn around in the most amazing ways and those once in the deepest turmoil of life can become productive, healthy, happy citizens.

My mental illness brought me to a place where I met some of my dearest friends. It also led to the most fulfilling work, in my career and as a volunteer, that I have ever known.

If you are in the Houston area, we invite you to attend our NAMI Connections group. Please contact me at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 832-275-2871 for more information. If you live elsewhere in the country, please contact www.nami.org and see which group they might have in your area. No group started where you live? Well, then, you might just want to contact them about helping them start one!