Approaching the recovery process can be daunting and overwhelming, to say the least. We’re feeling all kinds of conflicting emotions, from fear, anxiety, worry and self-doubt, to excitement and anticipation about our sobriety and the possibility of changing our lives for the better. When we are in this place of emotional overwhelm, it can be so easy to get caught up in our thoughts and feelings, in the newness of sobriety and the uncertainty and uneasiness we feel about the future. We rarely make the time to plan ahead for our recovery and figure out what steps we want to take next. As a result, many of us fall back into self-destructive, self-defeating patterns, and soon we find ourselves relapsing. One of the best things we can do for ourselves to help ourselves prevent relapse and stay on course with our recovery is set intentions and goals for ourselves.
When we set intentions and delineate goals, we’re affirming to ourselves that we believe they are possible to accomplish. Believing in ourselves in this way is empowering. It gives us hope, inspiration and motivation, and it enables us to actually make things happen for ourselves, instead of merely thinking about things and wishing we could make changes but then not following through on them. Setting intentions helps us clarify exactly what we want and need, what we expect from ourselves, and how we will go about realizing our potential. When we get clear in this way, we’re more likely to take action. We stay aligned with our vision for ourselves. We keep our energy flowing in that direction. Having goals keeps us looking to the future with optimism, positivity and faith. Often when we were embroiled in our addictions, we had a tendency to dwell on the past, to think negatively, to be pessimistic and feel down on ourselves. We complained about our circumstances instead of working to improve them. We were bitter about the things we didn’t like about ourselves and our lives rather than focusing on transforming them. Setting intentions and goals for ourselves tells us that we know we’re strong enough to make the necessary changes in our lives for the better, we’re strong enough to take our futures into our own hands and stop giving our power away.
What are some of the goals you have for yourself and your life? What new routines, habits, patterns and lifestyles would you like to create for yourself? What intentions can you set for yourself and follow through on, on a regular basis, to manifest the life you want for yourself?
Are you ready to take the first step on your journey to recovery? Call The Guest House today! 855-483-7800.