I think that your four principles are great !   The strategy you have laid out for yourself seems to work for you.   I found myself "shopping " for whatever I would need from your suggestions.

 I think that recovery is such an individual experience that the reader feels compelled to compare notes with you and take only what applies to their situation or state of wellness.           From the people I meet in the mental health consumer community, most of them have a set "pattern" of things they do to keep well, whether it's a volunteer job or seeing a therapist regularly.

Your point about medication was well taken.         I'd probably be out in the cold somewhere if it were not for seroquel.           Denial of the experience of having schizophrenia for life is a very difficult thing to accept, especially when you're young.

However, as you grow older, it's important, as you know, to stay close to your mental health professional regarding the amount of meds you may need.

  Again, because we are individuals, we all have somewhat different  coping strategies to help us through the recovery process.        And for you people reading this, listen to people like Christina.        She's been there, and she knows the way home.

Sincerely,

Don Fraser

Compassion is one of our best assets.  I don't always reach my goal of being compassionate because I get impatient with other people who I think are on the wrong track.  But I am learning that we each have our own track -- they are never all alike except we all struggle toward the goal of recovery.  There is rarely only one way to get where you are going.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (6 sessions earlier this year) also helped me.  It retrained me to feel that what I want can be achieved, such as independent living.  Managing my own finances.  Ultimately, taking charge of my own life.  I admit sometimes the "dailies" are a stress -- washing clothes, cooking, buying groceries, etc. -- but I have found yoga to be a good stress reliever.  And I have learned that I don't have to do everything perfectly -- sometimes good enough is good enough.

And yes, it is important to reach out in compassion to others around us, even in small ways.  That is what will really count in the end.  And in a very real sense that is a measure of our recovery -- when we can take our eyes off ourselves and be willing to meet the needs of our fellow men and women.

Carolyn

When I was working, I was in the position of helping others. I was a cook that worked directly with mentally disabled people. I learned compassion and empathy.

I have accepted my illness years ago. I accepted that I will hear voices forever. I also learned that taking meds has gotten me this far.

Seeking help is a hard one for me. I'm learning however to ask when needed.

Writing has been a source of joy these last two years. Cooking and baking have helped also. Those 3 things I do outside myself.

I also believe that all of my hardships, failings, and trials have lifted me to this very spot. I learned hard lessons. I am grateful for that.

Dave