Values, goals & purpose~30 minNarrative identityPeer support
Writing my recovery story
Shape your story — what it was like, what happened, what it's like now — so you can share it when you're ready.
Telling your story is a long tradition in mutual-help groups, and research on life stories finds that people who can tell a story of redemption — hard times leading somewhere good — tend to have better well-being (McAdams). Your story also gives hope to people just starting out.
1. What it was like
Enough detail to be real — not so much that it glamorizes it. You never need to share details of trauma.
2. What happened — the turning point
3. What it's like now
4. What helped most
5. What I've learned about myself
6. What I'd say to someone just starting
7. Parts I want to keep private
You decide what's yours to share — and protect other people's stories, too.
8. My story in three sentences, for when I only have a minute