Member Moment: Karen

When Karen arrived at Recovery Café Longmont last July, fresh out of detox, she was nervous and uncertain – “I joined the Café and started Intensive Outpatient Treatment around the same time,” she shared. In this season of change and fresh starts, the Café inspired a new energy to fuel her mission to heal.

“I felt accepted and welcomed so fast. I began finding strength in learning from the experiences and perspectives of others, which motivated me to keep fixing the parts of myself that needed work.”

A founding member of RCL’s Women’s Circle, Karen has become a champion for everyone in our space, but flourishes by giving strength and encouragement to her fellow females. “At first, Karen was so reserved and quiet,” Lead Peer Support Specialist, Sabrina shared, “but seeing her now, she radiates positivity. Her happiness and kindness are so genuine, and it’s inspiring to see.” 

Sober, Strong, and Showing Up as a Mom

At the heart of Karen’s recovery is something deeply personal: being a sober mom and grandmother. Being present while setting healthy boundaries has created challenges. But, with the tools and support RCL has given her to navigate these moments, the reward has been worth the work.

Surrounded by people who understand and who have walked the same road, she’s finding the strength to face her fears instead of hiding behind them. Smiling, Karen shared a quote from Alcoholics Anonymous: “We will love you until you learn to love yourself.” The love that she has found all along her recovery journey, from detox to her first day at the Café, has been transformative.

Recovery is full of milestones, but for Karen, the most impactful moment thus far has been hearing her child say, “You know, Mom, I never thought I’d be able to rely on you.” By putting her sobriety first, she is bravely taking strides towards becoming her best self, for herself and her family.

One Day at a Time

Karen is learning to return to finding joy in the little things: driving in and marveling at the mountains, picking up her crochet hook again, or losing herself in a good novel. “It’s like seeing the world clearly for the first time. I can appreciate the beauty of everything again.”

Throughout her recovery, she has carried her humor, even when it’s inappropriate, and found hope, even when things felt uncertain. She shares the words that keep her grounded: “Take it one day at a time. Don’t live in the past. Don’t worry about the future. Be present.”

Living this mantra each day as she shows up in sobriety, in motherhood, and for her community at the Café, Karen is a testament to Recovery Café’s founder, Killian Noe’s philosophy: To be known without being loved is terrifying. To be loved without being known has no power to change us. But to be known and deeply loved transforms us.