Every person is unique. We all have challenges and triumphs that are specific to us. What works for one person in recovery may not work for someone else. This is why The Guest House offers individualized substance use treatment, as well as treating you for any co-occurring disorders.
We want to help you succeed in your recovery. This means helping you be your best self. There are so many components that go into being your best self. We are going to explore some of them today!
Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is a skill that not everyone has perfected. It’s important to be able to recognize your thoughts and how they are impacting your behaviors. Being self-aware means delving into your experiences and learning why you act a certain way. It’s not just being aware of the healthy things you do, but also unhealthy things. In that way, you’re able to correct a thought or behavior that has become perpetually unhealthy.
This isn’t an easy thing, however. It’s going to take time and effort, and you’re going to have to dig deep. You may not be pleased with everything you find, so be gentle with yourself. When you explore your past, you’re allowed to take a step back if you feel overwhelmed. The purpose of digging deep is to become more self-aware, not to overwhelm you to a point where you feel like you are drowning.
Self-awareness isn’t going to happen overnight. It’s a lifelong marathon, not a quick sprint to get over and done with. When you become more self-aware, you realize that you do things because you want to do them. This is big when it comes to recovery.
If someone else is pushing you to become sober, you aren’t going to have the same success that you would have if you were intrinsically motivated. When you do something because you want to do it, you are in tune with thoughts and feelings and you recognize how they are impacting your behaviors. This helps you become the best version of yourself.
Self-Love
Once you become more self-aware, you realize when you are being kind to yourself and when you are being unnecessarily harsh on yourself. Self-love is the most genuine love there is, and it stems from the kindness you give yourself. Self-love isn’t just the thoughts you have about your body image, it’s about accepting your whole self, flaws included, and being proud of who you are.
You can be your best friend. You can help yourself understand how to trust and support yourself through difficult times. You can be comfortable with who you are and what you stand for. When you truly love yourself, you aren’t afraid of what others may think of you. You do things for yourself.
Self-love isn’t an easy thing to master, though. It takes a lot of practice and, like self-awareness, it is a continual journey. You can start to practice genuine self-love by having a mindful attitude. What thoughts and feelings do you have about yourself?
Delve into both the positives and negatives and think about where these thoughts stem from. Have an awareness of when these thoughts pop up. You may find that you have extremely negative thoughts at first. If this is the case, try to be gentle with yourself.
Pick one thought to focus on and try to counter that emotional and unreasonable thought with logic. Many of the negative thoughts we have about ourselves have no basis. Once you focus and try to reframe those thoughts into a more positive light, you’ll be able to exude self-love.
Self-Talk
Self-awareness and self-love go hand-in-hand with self-talk. How you talk to yourself impacts everything. Think about the general tone that you use with yourself. How do you sound? Harsh and critical? Kind and compassionate? The way you talk to yourself matters.
Being aware of your self-talk is important, but if you do nothing to reframe those thoughts, they will take over your recovery. You have control of your recovery. So, when you are aware of a negative thought you are having, stop the thought in its tracks. Then, remind yourself that you are working on being kind and loving to yourself. Lastly, reframe the negative thought and give it a positive spin.
For example, you may be angry with yourself and call yourself a failure if you happen to relapse using alcohol or drugs for the first time in a while. Remind yourself to remain calm. Then, tell yourself that you are doing the very best that you can.
Your self-talk has the power to make or break your recovery. If you allow your self-talk to control you, then you’re letting it win. Take control of your self-talk. Ask yourself if what you are repeating to yourself is true. If not, where did the thought come from? Notice how the thought makes you feel and get to the root of the thought. Taking the thought apart piece by piece can give you a sense of control. Remember: you are in control of your thoughts.
The Guest House is here to help you work on being your best self in your recovery. Call us today at (855) 372-1079. We want to help you work on self-awareness, self-love, and self-talk. We offer programs that will benefit you. Call our staff today for more information. We can’t wait to speak with you!