Choosing and Creating Your New Life during Your Recovery | Recovery in the Pines
Whether you went into an addiction treatment center as a result of your own choice or whether you were sent there under duress, it doesn’t really matter much now. What does matter is that you have taken the first steps on the road to your recovery and you’re clearing the chemical effects of your addiction. If you’ve come this far, hopefully then you have accepted that your former life had become unmanageable and that changes have to be made.
Taking Stock
As you’re adjusting to being sober mentally, physically and spiritually, you’re going to start to think more clearly and objectively. It’s time to examine your life in depth now that your judgment is unclouded by the chemicals of drugs and/or alcohol. Be reassured that you will be far less likely to make some of the mistakes you made previously.
When you take stock of your life initially, things may look bad and feel overwhelming. You may have lost many relationships and possessions that were important to you. It may seem like your life is a train wreck and you may feel very despondent at first. Part of your recovery is to turn your will and your life over to the care of God. That implicitly means letting go of fear and learning to trust in a higher power that will help and guide you.
Your Chance for a Fresh Start
Decide right now, at the outset, not to feel sorry for yourself. Don’t wallowing in negativity. It will only slow your progress in a more positive direction. What’s done is done, and beating yourself up about it continually is of no use to you or anyone else, and least of all to God. Be honest and make amends where you can, then let go of the past and move on.
Think about how lucky you are. Develop an attitude of gratitude and appreciation. Yes, there may be things in your life that might be less than desirable right now, but you are alive and you have a fresh start, which is something that many people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol don’t get, mainly because they don’t allow themselves to. In truth, anyone can have a fresh start at any time, if they let go of “I can’t” and start believing “I can.”
Dream Bigger and Trust God
Start to think carefully about what you want in life. Think about it, imagine it and write it down. Make plans. It doesn’t matter if they seem a stretch or unrealistic at first. Goals are always a stretch, that’s what makes them a goal. Have faith that God hears you and loves you. As long as you believe that with God’s help you can do anything, then a way is found. Don’t worry about the ‘how’, simply allow yourself to envision yourself having a good life again and God will put the path under your feet. With God’s help there really is no such thing as impossible. If that word crosses your mind, then turn that into ‘I’m possible’!
Your time at an addiction treatment center is invaluable. You are on your way to making a brand new life for yourself. It is your chance to totally reinvent yourself. Make the most of it. Dream of a life bigger and better than you ever did before. Then pray and hand your dreams to God in faith and watch the life of your dreams unfold in ways you could never have imagined yourself. That is the adventure of life.
Finally, if you falter in your faith, remember these passages from the Bible:
Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”
Matthew 21:22 “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”
Philippians 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
Philippians 4:19 “And my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
————–
Albert Black is the founder and CEO of Recovery in the Pines, the premier Christian-based, extended-care, addiction treatment center, located in Prescott, AZ, offering holistic wellness for drug and alcohol dependency. For more information about Recovery in the Pines, go to its website at: http://recoveryinthepines.com/ or contact Albert Black by phone at: (928) 308-4311 or email at: albertblack@recoveryinthepines.com
Processing your request, Please wait....
