Published August 03, 2025 | By Alyx E, Founder of Collectors MD

What does success really look like in recovery?

It’s easy to assume that progress means being “cured” or reaching some perfect version of yourself where the urges disappear and the mistakes stop. But recovery—real, lasting recovery—doesn’t look like that. Not even close.

In Episode 5 of The Collector’s Compass, therapist Dayae Kim puts it beautifully: “success in recovery is not about never slipping—it’s about being vulnerable enough to acknowledge when you do“. That moment of honesty, when someone says, “I’m still struggling, but I want to do better,” is a huge win, because it opens the door for healing.

In truth, small wins are the heart of recovery. They’re the moments that feel almost invisible to the outside world but are monumental on the inside.

The win might be something as small as choosing to not to enter a livestream.
It might be telling someone—or even just yourself, “I need help.”
It might be spending your Sunday sorting through old cards to sell the ones that no longer serve your collection—or your peace of mind.

In recovery, we start chasing a different kind of win than what we’re used to—one that’s quieter, more personal, and rooted in growth. Each letter in the word W-I-N, like each small choice, builds something greater. One small win at a time.

Each of these seemingly small decisions becomes a brick in the foundation of long-term growth. And the more bricks you lay—bit by bit, day by day—the more stable your house—or path—becomes.

When we’re in the thick of recovery, just getting through the day might even feel like a win.
Not chasing. Not spending. Not giving into temptation. Not pretending you’re okay when you’re not.
Just making it through the day without spiraling is a victory that deserves real recognition. Because those are the days when the temptation can be the loudest—and your decision to stay grounded matters most.

Recovery isn’t glamorous. It’s not linear.
But when we start to stack up small wins, we build something powerful: momentum, resilience, and self-trust.

So if today you’re showing up—even imperfectly—you’re winning.

#CollectorsMD
Recovery isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being honest, one small win at a time.

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