“Keep it simple” is a term heard frequently in recovery. Especially as addicts and alcoholics, we tend to make recovery complicated. Staying sober is relatively simple- we don’t pick up a drink or a drug, no matter what happens. However, maintaining that simple goal every day takes a lot of work. One of the easiest ways to support your mission is making sure your frame of mind is in the right place.
- “I’m Going To Try Quitting”- the fictional character Yoda, famous for his quirky wisdom, once said “do or do not, there is no try.” You are either doing or you are not doing. As a society we have a rather large insecurity which prevents us from simply accepting if we haven’t done it yet, we simply aren’t doing it. True, we might be trying to do it. Until we actually do it, we aren’t doing it. Trying to quit an addiction is a mental excuse in order to give yourself room to “fail”. Millions of people wake up one day and never touch a drink or drug again. You don’t try sobriety- you just stay sober.
- “I’m Going To Do _____ Every Day”- there’s a reason why the cliche saying “one day at a time” is so popular in recovery. Life happens and often it happens outside of our control. Once life has taken its course, we might not be able to perform the same routine everyday. Recovery isn’t about control. It’s about learning to control what you can and accept things that you cannot.
- “I Will Stop Drinking And Using”- though admirable, the “will” in this statement implies a time in the future. Even if you’ve stopped the abusive use of drugs and alcohol up to this point, you are still telling yourself you will stop at another time.
- “I Am Giving Up ______”– recovery is not about deprivation. As addicts and alcoholics, we are already living in the extreme of things. Recovery is about finding balance. You don’t have to give up everything, except for the use of drugs and alcohol.
- “I’m Never_____ Again”– even those who have maintained sobriety through their recovery for decades upon decades never say never. Alcoholism and addiction are often described as cunning, baffling, and powerful. Every single day is a brand new timer on the clock to stay sober until the day ends and a new one begins.
LEAD Recovery Center uses the tools of experiential learning, leadership, mentorship, life coaching, and clinical treatment to create realistic goals and build real life skills so each client can become fully autonomous in their lives. Our extended care programs are ideal for young adults and women who have completed inpatient treatment and are looking for additional treatment. Call us today for more information: 800-380-0012.
