Surrender to Win: Casey’s Note on Hope and Change
Sometimes the most powerful lessons come not from long stories, but from simple truths lived out every day.
Casey, whose name we’ve kept anonymous to respect their privacy, recently shared a few of these powerful truths born of the wisdom recovery has given them and the hope they want others to hold onto.
At the heart of Casey’s message is a reminder. Recovery isn’t about perfection; it’s about being willing to take the next step.
“The world is so much bigger than the small world you’ve created for yourself. Be fearless and willing to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.” Casey said.
For many in recovery, the world can feel impossibly small. Addiction closes doors, limits vision, and convinces people they have no options. But stepping outside of that fear, even in small ways, can start to break the cycle.
Casey also speaks to the importance of hope, even when it feels out of reach:
“The simple desire for hope when you feel like there is NONE is, in itself, just enough hope to make a difference.”
Hope doesn’t always come in big, sweeping gestures. Sometimes, it’s just a flicker, the decision to try again, the courage to walk into a meeting, and the willingness to pick up the phone are all small acts of trust and bravery that help us prove to ourselves that the world is not as dark as we thought it was. That tiny spark is enough to keep moving forward.
And with that forward movement comes growth.
“Knowledge is power. The more you know, the greater the understanding, the better the chance to promote change,” Casey told PARS.
Casey knows that learning about addiction, recovery, and yourself, shifts everything. Knowledge breaks down stigma. It helps families understand. It equips communities to support instead of shame. It builds a foundation where recovery can thrive.
If Casey could only share one piece of their experience, it would be this:
“People are more than their past mistakes, and everyone deserves a chance.”
Recovery doesn’t erase the past, but it redefines it. Mistakes become lessons, struggles become strength, and when communities offer compassion instead of judgment, people are able to prove that change is not just possible for others, but that it can be their story too.
Casey closes with a phrase that once guided them through some of their hardest moments:
“A common saying that I have not heard in a long time is ‘surrender to win.’ I take it as becoming willing to try others’ suggestions. I know every attempt I tried to change didn’t work until I gave up trying things ‘my way’ and followed other people’s suggestions.”
“Surrender to win” isn’t about giving up. It’s about letting go of the illusion that you have to do it all alone. It’s about trusting that others, sponsors, friends, mentors, and family can help light the way forward. Trust alone can create the sense of safety that a person needs in order to learn to hope and to create true change in their lives.
Take Action: Carry Casey’s Words Into Your Life
- Step outside your comfort zone. Be willing to try new approaches and experiences.
- Choose hope, even when it feels small. That spark can keep you moving.
- Learn and listen. Knowledge and empathy create lasting change.
- Offer second chances. See people for who they can become, not just who they’ve been.
- Practice surrender. Sometimes healing means trusting others and letting their guidance in.
Casey’s words remind us that recovery isn’t just about surviving. It’s about living differently, with courage, hope, and community.
If you or someone you know wants to share your story, add your voice to Human: A Project by PARS Topeka. Contact PARS at (785) 266-8666 or info@parstopeka.org.