The Missing Piece: When Progress Still Leaves an Empty Space
Sometimes things are getting better, but something still doesn’t feel right.
A person may be showing up for treatment, making healthier decisions, improving relationships, managing mental health symptoms, or making progress in recovery. They can look back and see that things really have changed, yet still have the feeling that something is missing.
That feeling doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. Sometimes progress gives us enough breathing room to start thinking about what we really want and need.
Looking at the Whole Puzzle
When we are struggling, it is easy to focus on what we don’t have. The new Taking the Escalator activity The Missing Piece: When There’s Still an Empty Space starts from the other direction. Participants first identify the pieces they already have: supportive people, strengths, coping skills, accomplishments, activities, opportunities, purpose, or even small things that make life a little better.
This isn’t about pretending everything is great. We can appreciate what we have and still want something more. After recognizing the existing pieces, participants explore the empty space. For some, that may be something external such as a relationship, job, financial stability, housing, or support. For others, it may be something internal such as confidence, peace, motivation, trust, forgiveness, purpose, or hope.
What Are We Using to Fill the Space?
This becomes especially important in substance use and mental health recovery. When something feels missing, there can be a strong urge to fill that space quickly. Substances, unhealthy relationships, impulsive decisions, isolation, gambling, spending, constant distraction, and other behaviors may provide temporary relief without addressing what is really needed.
Sometimes we don’t need to fill the space immediately. We may need to understand it first. What is this feeling telling me?
What do I really need?
What can I work toward?
What might I need help with?
What may simply take time?
The Missing Piece uses a simple visual activity to open up those conversations while keeping the focus on both gratitude and growth. Because sometimes the piece that can help us move toward what we don’t have yet is already somewhere in the puzzle.
You can appreciate the pieces you already have while still making room for the ones you hope to find.
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