There’s a common catch-22 that many recovering addicts get caught in which causes them to slack off on recovery. As we gain strength and confidence through recovery, we begin to feel that we’re ready to leave our addiction—and recovery—behind. It’s often during these times when we’re feeling the strongest that our deepest weaknesses are able to crop up and push us towards relapse because we’ve lost the shelter provided by recovery. Finding humility in your strength is a key part of the 12 steps and helps to keep us grounded as we progress. A few daily reminders will help us to maintain our strength, enjoy continued appreciation of recovery, and stay on top of sobriety.
We Can’t Predict the Future
Even if you’re feeling 100% capable of managing your disease today, there’s no telling what could happen tomorrow. Unexpected stresses are a part of life, and they can have you turning back to old habits in a blink if you’re not careful. Maintaining your recovery will keep you prepared to handle anything that might come along and keep you in touch with valuable recovery resources.
Your Whole Self Needs This
Addiction is a disease that doesn’t spare any aspect of your health; your mind, body, and spirit were all destroyed by this illness. All portions of yourself were claimed by addiction and you will need to be reclaimed by recovery. This isn’t a process that can be completed in a month’s time, or even a year’s time. Healing on this level will need to be attended to, altered, and re-committed to on a continual basis in order to keep progressing. If you’re feeling physically strong, that’s great! Take a look at your spirit and see where else you could make some progress.
If We’re Not Moving Forward, We’re Moving Backward
Staying in one place is impossible in this life, no matter what your unique challenges are. If you’re not progressing forward, then you’re sliding back; so we must always strive for positive movement. Boredom, lack of direction, and aimlessness are all fuel for addiction, so keep them out of your life. Keep an eye on your goals, work every day to achieve them, and continue to set new ones.
Recommit Every Day
Those who are most successful in addiction recovery warn us of the dangers of taking the long view when it comes to sobriety. Trying to commit to remaining sober for the rest of your entire life, and then being done with the decision, can be overwhelming and frustrating. Instead, just commit to staying clean and sober today. Every morning, wake up and renew your determination for today. Leave tomorrow for tomorrow. These micro-decisions will add up to a lifetime of health and happiness, one day at a time.
Joey Holub was the first resident and graduate from Shadow Mountain Recovery. He’s earned a degree from the University of New Mexico and continues his on-going education and recovery.
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