Lose the Label: Perfectionist

By Lynn Swanbom Yount, UGM Volunteer

Becky Morelan knows about life in the fast lane. Her sales career was a successful one, and she worked hard to be respected in her field. She was prepared to do whatever it took to achieve her professional goals – including an abuse of alcohol.

“I did a lot of entertaining and a lot of traveling – and that kind of went hand in hand” with the alcohol, she said. Plus, drinking gave her that extra edge in meetings. “I used alcohol to build my confidence and kind of be who I thought I wanted to be.”

Life piled on more and more stress, however, and eventually her alcohol abuse spread into an addiction to pain pills. She ended up facing financial disaster.

In Women’s Recovery at Anna Ogden Hall, Becky is learning that her true identity doesn’t come from doing things perfectly and being all things to all people.  “I really thought my identity was more in my looks and in accomplishments, versus an identity in Christ.”

Working through the recovery program, now she understands how her Creator sees her.

“God looks at our heart; God looks at our insides. He doesn’t care about performance, that’s man’s thing.”

Through her addiction and the losses that came with it, Becky learned humility and gratitude the hard way. Still, she says, she’s “a lot happier” being in recovery. “I’m just grateful for what I have.”

Becky is completing a business practicum in a busy administrative office, and the temptation is always there to get caught up in little mistakes. But in recovery she’s learning how to manage the pressure.

“I’ll just do the best that I can and not beat myself up.”

Becky has to remind herself that her identity is found in Christ. Remind yourself, too, using these bookmarks with God's names for you.