How you see yourself is an important concept in recovery. There may have been many people around you who did not believe in you. Many beliefs you hold about yourself today reflect messages received from people in the past. They may have said cruel, harsh, and disrespectful things. This can damage your self-esteem and leave you with fear and feelings of failure.
Additionally, past mistakes, missed opportunities, and regrets about past behavior taint your view of yourself. Those tainted thoughts you have about yourself hold you back even more than the disrespectful treatment and difficult circumstances you endured in the past. You can’t change what happened to you, but you can change the way you see yourself, despite what happened to you. Having a distorted view of yourself often erodes self-confidence and weakens your resolve to continue in your recovery.
Rewriting the Script
The good news is that we can rewrite the old scripts. We can reprogram our own minds with positive thoughts and affirmations. We do not need to be products of a miserable past. Changing the way you think in the present about the past will transform your future. You can accomplish your goals and realize your dreams. You are no longer identified by your past mistakes, addictions, or failed relationships. Shake it off and move forward. Write a new, healthy script for yourself.
Recovering Hope
As you change the view of yourself, you will see the difference reflected in your choices and in your actions. You will have more self-assurance, a greater strength of character, and feel more secure. With a true view of yourself, you can rise above the defeats of the past and embrace the promises of the future with confidence and hope.
Recovery is a journey. Enjoy the ride!
