Summary
In a reflective blog post for his 47th birthday, Brett Terpstra explores his journey through addiction, pain, and recovery over the past twenty years. He recounts past experiences, including a particularly painful moment of self-harm as a response to bipolar depression. Terpstra emphasizes the importance of recognizing the temporary nature of both pain and pleasure, and how healing can come from confronting and understanding one’s scars, both literal and emotional. He concludes by appreciating the symbols of healing in his life, such as a knitted raccoon from his partner that represents shared pain and recovery.