In addiction recovery, many people feel filled with remorse and shame from what they did in active addiction. It can be so easy to dwell on the past and feel unworthy of love or forgiveness. These feelings can be very dangerous and many times lead to relapse. Learning present moment awareness meditation can help this greatly accompanied by action and being useful to others. When I first got into recovery, I told someone in my support group that I had very low self-esteem. He told me, rather bluntly, something that I hadn’t really thought of before. He said,
“you have to do esteemable acts to have self-esteem.”
He wasn’t afraid to tell me how it is. With the way I had been living in active addiction, it should be pretty obvious I would have low self-esteem. It would take effort and life changes to gain confidence and self-esteem. Here are some helpful positive affirmations and ways to put them into action:
“I forgive myself for my mistakes and will learn from them”
The is one of the most important positive affirmations of recovery. The first step to being able to share your experience and be helpful to others is to forgive yourself. You can’t travel to the past, so you are going to have to accept the mistakes you have made and make an effort to never allow them to happen again. When you forgive yourself, you can use these mistakes to share with others to form a bond and camaraderie. Many other people have made the same mistakes as you and it would help them with their own self-forgiveness to hear your story and know that they aren’t alone.
“I live for recovery because giving back helps my own recovery”
It can be easy to focus on ourselves, but recovery isn’t always about ourselves. Helping others who are trying to stay sober should be a motivation to better yourself and continue to grow. The more you grow, the more you can be an inspiration to others. Even if you feel your recovery doesn’t matter, there are others who crave what you have. Always keep that in mind and never take it for granted.
“I am a loyal, supportive, and humbled friend”
Always try to remember your positive attributes. Your past should not reflect who you are now. If you are a loyal friend in recovery, then that is who you are. Being a…. “You-know-what” in active addiction, does not mean you are still a bad friend. Remember the progress you have made and never lose sight of the morals and principles you have gained in recovery.
“I am not a burden when I ask for help and support”
This positive affirmation is so important because not asking for help can be so dangerous for those in recovery. Many of us in recovery feel ashamed to ask for help. Especially in long-term recovery, we can feel we should be past the point of needing help. This simply a flawed mindset. It is ok to ask for help when it is needed. Recovery is not always rainbows and unicorns. Addiction is a progressive disease and we all have ups and downs. Always turn to your support group when you need support, because one day they may need your support as well. This is what recovery is all about.
“My life is full of gifts and blessings”
It can be easy to become stagnant in recovery and lose sight of all of the success we have had. We can forget the friendships, the growth, and even the materials we have gained back from being sober. Making gratitude lists is a great way to constantly remind yourself of all of the gifts recovery has given you.
“I am a dynamic individual, unique, creative and have value”
This positive affirmation can be helpful for everyone because every person truly is unique with a unique story. Never stop looking for new things to try in recovery. Try picking up hobbies. Maybe you have a skill you can share with others. Maybe others would like to share skills with you in return for the skills you can share with them. If you can isolate yourself from others, you can take for granted of your unique value.
“I am passionate, opinionated, and strong and am not afraid to use my voice”
This positive affirmation is especially useful for the workplace or for school. For many in recovery, we can feel we have little to offer. The truth is, we are just like any other person. In fact, people in recovery can be considered stronger than the average person because of the extremely difficult hurdles we have had to face to get into a recovery. Many of us have had traumatic life events that have made us stronger. Many of us have stories that the average person would find inspirational. Never be afraid to make your voice heard in the workplace. Your opinions and ideas matter just like everyone else. The more you step out of your comfort zone, the more self-esteem and confidence you will attain.
“I am sober, happy, and no longer trapped by my struggles, but empowered by my choices”
It can be easy to take for granted how much choice we have over our own lives now that we are sober. Before, drugs or alcohol controlled our lives. It controlled every decision, where we went, how long we went for, what jobs we could take, who we could hang out with, etc. Now that we are sober, we have all the power in the world. We can do anything we want with nothing holding us back. We can take risks, try new things, or move to places. Never take for granted the freedom sobriety has given you.
Seeking Treatment for Alcoholism and Addiction
If you or a loved one has a problem with alcoholism or addiction and want to experience recovery in a thriving community with lots of people just like you, then call the professionals at Stout Street today at 866-722-7040. Our trained staff is standing by to take your call and help you in any way we can. We know how difficult of a decision this can be and we know what it takes to ensure you find your own personal path in recovery. You no longer have to do it alone, so give us a call today and find the happy and sober life you’ve always dreamed of.