Do you secretly feel like giving up on this whole recovery thing? I did, too. Really, when I first got sober I thought “is this going to be any fun?”
Anxiety and anger threatening to overwhelm you? You’re not the only one. As grateful as you may be for your sobriety, there may come a time when you think, “is this ever going to get any better?”
Between the new emotions (hello, I don’t do feelings), relationships we’ve screwed up, and not knowing what the future holds… discouragement starts to creep in.
Well, is recovery destined to suck? Probably, if you were planning to keep hanging out at bars and clubs. Hey, no judgement here. It’s all I had ever done, too. For happy occasions, sad occasions, celebrations and entertainment, I hit the party scene. I was miffed when I figured out that wasn’t going to be an option anymore. Ugh, now what?
No wonder so many people relapse if this is all we can see ahead!
Don’t worry, chica. Good news: You are not destined to be an angry fun-sucker with no social life. It may be hard to believe right now, but don’t give up. Some pretty amazing changes are on their way, so hang tight.
Let’s Get This Party Started
1. You Start Living Right
You start making better choices. Hey, it’s not perfect, but you’re walking a straighter path than ever before and it feels good.
2. You Go Organic.
Ok, so you’re not a tree-hugging non-GMO hippy or anything, but you start giving a crap about your health. A desire to get healthier springs out of nowhere. Really? After you’ve spent half your life pumping yourself full of poison? For real. It happens. Caught me totally off guard, and it’s awesome.
Warning: you may actually get in the best shape of your life once you get into recovery. You may enjoy exercise (*gasp*). I know, it’s weird. (I went all crunchy-granola and started using essential oils and everything!)
3. You make Pollyanna Look Like Debbie Downer
You start being nice to people. Not quite Polly-Anna, but you’ll get there. You realize what an a-hole you’ve been and actually want to make it right. Your relationships will start to improve.
4. You Find Life Beyond Beer Pong
Rediscover things you are passionate about — and even stuff you’re good at! Yes, you’re good at things besides keg-stands, beer pong, and drunk karaoke. (Ok, you just thought you were good at that last one!) Seriously though, you may uncover a hidden talent for underwater basket-weaving or some other artsy-fartsy gift you have.
Even if you’re not Picasso, do you like to read, write, or paint?
5. You Leave Negative Nancy Behind
Stop with the regrets, already. You start seeing how your addiction contributes to your overall purpose.
Plus, you don’t have to do the walk of shame anymore. Literally, you don’t have to do it anymore. Let go of shame. Sure, there are things you wish you hadn’t done, but all of those things brought you to where you are today.
I had tons of regrets when I got into recovery. Loads of crap I wish I could take back. I spent 10 years in active addiction and a few more just dabbling. I’ve made a fool of myself, been the loud belligerent drunk girl, and got kicked out of plenty of places (beyond “cut off”). Even 8 years into sobriety, I still cringe when I think about some of it…but I can’t change it now so I chalk it up to lessons learned. I’ve had enough healing now that I can truly look back at it, laugh, and say “I’m not the same person anymore”. And neither are you.
You gain the confidence that God can use you.
Yes, you.
You will inspire and eventually help others. Not on purpose at first, but by working your own recovery. People are watching. You may not realize it, but they are.
The most shameful thing in your life will become your greatest tool to help others. Best. Gift. Ever.
7. You Live Happily Ever After
It’s not all rainbows and butterflies, but you do have fun. A lot of fun. A different kind of fun without guilt and shame attached. You gain new friendships. God heals broken relationships with your family. Suddenly, you find yourself with a completely different life.
You’re no longer weighed down by guilt and shame. You’re thankful for the experience. You’re using your story to inspire others. There is joy up ahead, my friend.
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:18
You’ll be amazed. And you don’t even wake up with a hangover anymore! What more could you ask for?
So open your eyes, enjoy the ride, and make a little progress every day.
Stop, drop, and pray with me:
Dear God,
Thank you for the joy that is coming and healing that’s taking place in our life and relationships. Lead us to keep a grateful heart and use us to help others. Thank you that every day is a new opportunity. Please open our eyes to see the progress and give us grace to live one day at a time. Thank you, Lord.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Go Forth and Conquer
It may be tough now, but you are on the right path. Just take it one day at a time. In a few weeks, or heck, even in a few days…take a moment to look back. I promise you’ll see progress if you purposely look for it.
You got this, and God’s got you.
