Successful Recovery
Having long-term recovery success takes time and energy. Many people start their recovery programs with great enthusiasm and high levels of energy but encounter frequent setbacks and derailments along the way. Successful recovery requires identifying and overcoming these common blocks and delays.
What Holds You Back?
What keeps you from identifying and practicing the fundamentals of a solid recovery program? Perhaps it’s the time or effort necessary to practice. Or maybe it’s negative thinking and the lack of support from others. Over the years, I’ve also heard some people say: “I can’t.” “I can’t afford treatment, I can’t take time off of work, I can’t forgive, I can’t stop, and I can’t change.” What’s your “I can’t”? Often, I can’t, is a coded message for, I won’t. It isn’t a lack of ability, rather, it’s a lack of willingness to do the thing you need to do; those few fundamentals that when identified, practiced, and applied-change your life forever. I’ve heard it said that success comes in cans-not I can’t.
Overcoming Obstacles
It’s helpful to identify the difficulties that have tripped you up in the past. This is not intended to shame you, but to support you in developing a stronger recovery. Similarly, it is helpful to leverage your strengths against those identified obstacles. Be ruthlessly honest in spotting your self-sabotaging and self-deceptive tactics. Use your intelligence, perseverance, compassion for others, positive connections, and inner confidence to overcome any unwillingness you have discovered. As you do, your “I can’t” and “I won’t,” quickly becomes “I can” and “I will.”
Recovery is a Journey. Enjoy the Ride!
