Having a positive attitude about sobriety can shift so many things in recovery. Perhaps a person will see things differently and not focus on the burden of it, but realize there is healing and comfort in the journey, as well. Learning to loosen up is not something that happens overnight. It takes time to warm up to the idea and finally grasp the concept of letting go.
From Shame to Pride
Moving from shame to pride, from feeling overwhelmed to confident, to accepting how life is now is a process that looks different for everyone. Perhaps a person feels less anxious, less scared of failure, and less angry. Perhaps those feelings are inside of a person and finally start to loosen up, falling away from shame to a sense of pride in the accomplishment of recovery. It is almost like exercising muscles at the gym: flex, point, pull up, push away, feel the burn (in a good way). When those muscles contract and release, it can feel really good.
Finding a Groove
Addiction is less about addiction, per se, and more about the relationship a person has with alcohol or drugs. Establishing rules and positive patterns of behavior is what will help a person navigate recovery better. Routine can help get through early recovery. There is comfort in finding ways to do things each day in a way that is healing. Slowly, a person works through delayed gratification and unhooks from those negative voices in the head and heart that drove addiction. Coming to rely on positive, healing patterns, can bring relaxation, including:
- Yoga or meditation in the morning or as a nightcap
- Reading books and magazines rather than scrolling on the internet or social media
- Drinking soothing teas
- Being in nature
- Finding community
Being with friends, finding community, and a supportive group of friends and family can feel really good, especially after losing so many of them in recovery. Even losing toxic friendships can be painful, but healing can happen by building new, healthier friendships. Stepping away from habits that are harmful towards those that are healing can bring great benefit to the mind, body, and spirit in recovery and help loosen up those tense muscles and feelings that keep anxiety high. Healing can happen when a person allows it to enter their recovery, even if it is only a little bit at a time. Every little bit is one step closer to feeling more authentically connected to who a person is, without addiction at the helm.
The Springboard Center’s addiction treatment programs are tailored to meet the needs of each client. We focus on supporting your goals and guide you step-by-step through from day one. It is important to recognize that many of our services offer a group setting and environment, so that the client spends time with other people affected by the same chronic disease and problems. 432-620-0255