Yes, in recovery, some days are harder than others, and on a more positive side, we could say, some days are easier than others! That’s all and everything they are—just days that compose 24 hours. In recovery we have to learn to modulate our feelings, that is, we can’t throw our hands up in the air and exclaim everything in my whole life is awful. That’s the dramatist in us speaking. It’s also could be the voice of the child part of us who had to struggle through many disappointments without comfort.
One way those in recovery can help themselves get through a hard day can be by saying, This Too Shall Pass. We need to keep in mind that every second we live on this earth things are changing. In spring, after a cold winter, sap starts running in the sugar maples. Everyday the grass turns a little bit greener, and animals begin shedding their winter coats. In one day, our entire life can change because of the death of a beloved friend or the birth of a baby in the family.
In recovery, learning to handle the constant changes is a process. We can embrace change, fight it or accept it. Embracing a newborn child is easy, but accepting a hard day when things don’t go our way, isn’t. Learning acceptance is well worth the effort. One can be ticked off that their day was full of traffic jams, dysfunction and overtime at work, which caused us to miss a noon or evening meeting. By accepting that a hard day is just what it is, and no more, we can move on. Knowing, too, that we have everything inside us to handle most situations can ease the stress.
When tough situations arise we have the option of jumping into the roiling river, or standing on the riverbank and watching it roar by. This is about learning to observe. Once we observe something, it is then useful to put words to it, Oh, I’m having a really hard day. Naming it makes the path to acceptance smoother.
Letting yourself have your feelings is important, too. You can be ticked off about a hard day or extremely sad about a loss in your life. If your feelings start to become overwhelming, try observing them, then accepting them. Remember how drugs and alcohol took over your entire self? You’re not going to let anything do that to you again.
If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, get help now. Nexus Recovery Services specializes in addiction treatment and encompasses holistic therapy for the mind, body, and soul with a focus on staying active and connected to nature. Our mission is to provide tools and support for every client’s seamless transition into a meaningful and fulfilling life of sobriety. We offer a free and confidential consultation. Call us to get started:(310) 881-9151