Final Project: Your

Recovery

Journey Past, Present, and Future...ODAT

Final Project: Your Journey to Recovery

Introduction: Why This Matters

Your journey—your story—has untold value. Not only for yourself but, more importantly, for others who are still trapped in the shadows of addiction, suffering in shame and self-hatred. This project is for you, and for the sex addict who still feels hopeless, for the lonely inner child who doesn’t believe he will make it.

This assignment is not just about answering questions—it’s about deeply engaging with your recovery process, taking notes, integrating insights, and preparing to share your journey in a meaningful way.

Take the time to be honest, go deep, and make this meaningful for yourself.

Part 1 & 2: Note-Taking & Reflection

This section is your personal processing space. The goal is to take notes, write reflections, and gather insights that will later be integrated into Part 3.

1. Practices & Self-Awareness (1-2 Pages of Notes)

Before diving into the chapters, reflect on the foundational recovery practices that have supported your journey. This is not an essay—just notes.

Core Recovery Practices:
- Meditation
- Meetings (group and individual)
- Self-care (exercise, nutrition, rest)
- Self-awareness (journaling, reaching out to others, WOAH practice)
Daily Action Plan:
- How have you shown up for yourself and your inner child?
- How has consistency (or lack of it) impacted your recovery?
Recognizing Internal Patterns:
- What thought patterns do you notice?
- Identify themes like:
  - Self-criticism or judgment
  - Black-and-white thinking
  - Sexualized shame-based narratives
  - Patterns that feel "off" but are hard to name

📌 Write 1-2 pages of bullet points or short reflections.

2. Chapter Reflections (4-7 Pages of Notes)

Each chapter in the book explores a critical aspect of recovery. Use this section to take notes on what stands out to you.

This is your personal space to reflect.
You are not limited to the questions below—these are just starting points.
Some sections may have more notes than others, depending on what resonates.

Chapter 1: What is Reality? (Denial & Its Many Forms)

How has denial shown up in your past and present?
How has denial fueled and enabled addiction?
What shifts did you notice in your understanding after engaging with this chapter?

Chapter 2: What is Addiction?

What are the mechanics of addiction, and how do they apply to you?
How did your sex addiction develop?
Where do you see yourself in the addiction cycle?
What role has sexual anorexia played in your experience?

Chapter 3: What Are Your Behaviors?

What is your particular brand of sex addiction?
How does it relate to your courtship development?
Where have trauma and past experiences shaped your behaviors?

Chapter 4: Owning Your Story

Family of origin issues, trauma, and ACEs
How did sex addiction serve you as a coping mechanism?
When did it stop working?
What were your worst moments and the emotions you were trying to avoid?

Chapter 5: Getting Practical - Addressing the Present

What is your current reality on the road to recovery?
What are the most pressing issues you are facing right now?
Can you create a concrete plan for addressing them with support?
What’s the difference between short-term fixes and lasting change?

Chapter 6: Ongoing Sobriety & Relapse Prevention

What distortions in thinking still trip you up?
What strategies help counteract these distortions?
How does relapse begin long before acting out?
What are the most predictable relapse scenarios for you?

Chapter 7: Knowing Your Sexual Self

What have you learned about your addiction and recovery process?
What were your biggest "a-ha" moments from this journey?

Chapter 8: This is an Intimacy Disorder—Connection is the Antidote

Where will this new, healthy, life-giving, recovery-supporting connection take place?
Who are the people that will be part of your recovery journey?
What steps will you take to cultivate and sustain meaningful connection?
How will you practice vulnerability and trust in these relationships?

📌 Write 4-7 pages of bullet points or short reflections.

Part 3: Integration & Sharing (Equal Time as Note-Taking)

Once you have taken notes and gathered insights, it’s time to put them together in a way that is meaningful and shareable.

This is not just about writing—it’s about choosing a format that speaks to you.

Choose One of the Following Formats:

Essay or Personal Narrative – A structured reflection on your journey.
Slideshow or Presentation – Visually organizing key insights.
Story or Analogy – Framing your experience through metaphor.
Creative Format – A letter, dialogue, poem, or something else that expresses your growth.

Your Final Integration Should Address:

What patterns, struggles, and insights stood out to you?
How has your understanding of denial, addiction, behaviors, and healing evolved?
What do you see as the biggest takeaways from your journey?
How does connection and intimacy play a role in your recovery moving forward?
What message would you want to share with someone still struggling?

📌 The goal is to make this real—to bring your experience together in a way that feels powerful and true to you.

Final Submission: What You Will Turn In

Your final project should include:

📌 Part 1 & 2: Note-Taking & Reflection (5-9 pages total)
- 1-2 pages on daily practices & self-awareness.
- 4-7 pages of chapter reflections (bullet points, notes, or short paragraphs).
- No need for polished writing—just personal notes.
📌 Part 3: Integration & Sharing
- This can be an essay, slideshow, story, or another format of your choice.
- The length depends on your format—aim for something that feels complete and meaningful to you.

📌 Total time: The same amount of time spent note-taking should be spent integrating and sharing.

Final Thoughts: This is Yours

This is not just an academic exercise—it’s a living document of your recovery.

Your story matters.

Your pain has meaning.

Your growth is real.

And your healing will inspire others.

Take your time. Be honest. Go deep.
This project is yours—make it count.