By Colin W., Renascent Alumni
There comes a time in everyone’s lives, I think. For some, it comes more than once when we embark on a new adventure or start to see and feel the results of some deeply motivated work to change the quality of life. That is how it began for me. I felt fresh. Propelled forward toward this idea of a new lease on life.
I was the same person I had always been, but I felt like more. More authentic, more motivated, and most of all, more open-minded and accepting. I became open to an idea that was presented to me in treatment and accepting of the fact that it was time. This idea was not new by any means. Millions of people have chosen this way of living and are living simple, happy lives today. I am writing to my fellow alumni and friends.
Those of us who completed primary care at Renascent have seen this glimpse of what life has to offer. Some of us are walking this path, smiling, laughing, and enjoying this program’s rewards. It’s a new relationship with ourselves, and like any new relationship, the beginning is typically called the Pink Cloud—that time when absolutely everything is new, wonderful, and fulfilling.
It’s an emotional honeymoon. You’ve stopped using, life feels full of possibilities, and for the first time in a long time, you might feel genuinely good. And it’s great to feel good! People describe it as a pink cloud. I think it is easier to describe it as a pink balloon. I felt optimism and a strong connection to something greater than myself. I was also suddenly enthusiastic, and I was going to do so much good. It was a spiritual high, and I felt invincible and overconfident for a while.
You probably know where I am going with this. Like all balloons, they need to be treated carefully and kept balanced. Things can feel “up” and some days “down.” My mission is to keep my life balanced.
This is where I learned to be careful during the honeymoon phase. It was easy to feel a false sense of clarity and an abundance of high energy (my counsellors can attest to this!).
In treatment, there were counselling sessions on expectations, which were presented as a potential danger to my recovery. If I set my expectations too high, it is easy to be let down or let others down, but if I keep them level and realistic, my chances of fulfillment will help me build integrity and self-esteem, as long as these principles are followed with action.
I remember my counsellor, Dave, at Sullivan Centre in Brooklin, who told me his mantra: “Expect nothing; accept everything.” He had it written everywhere. It was the most important advice, and it stays with me today.
My experience with others has taught me that we all have our own phases in early recovery. The pink cloud isn’t bad—in fact, it can be a beautiful and inspiring part of early recovery — but it’s not permanent. Many in recovery learn to appreciate it while staying grounded and building daily routines that keep them sober long after the cloud passes.
It’s a grace period for some of us—a moment to remember when things get tough. A burst of pure joy is real, and it is important to validate it. It means something extraordinary is waking up inside you. The pink cloud is a gift—use it. Let it lift you into action. Get to meetings. Call your sponsor. Journal. Help someone. Build the habits and connections that will still be there after. It’s part of the bigger journey.
Feelings change; that is part of being human. When the cloud fades, it doesn’t mean your recovery is broken. It just means life is settling down. The people at Sullivan House helped me understand that. My work would continue after treatment with a sponsor, and I would work the 12 steps with self-affection and a feeling of freedom.
I wish you a happy 24…
PS. It is also essential to point out that if you are feeling extreme highs and lows, it’s important to speak with someone. One of the best things to come out of treatment was learning about my mental health.
