I believe we should do our best at whatever we undertake. But I don't think we should try too hard. Especially those of us in recovery.
And while this may seem contradictory, I often deal with clients who beat themselves down.
They don't feel they're moving fast enough. Maybe they have an entry-level job. Or the hard reality of recovery isn't what they expect. They blame themselves, thinking they should be on top of the world now that they're clean. They hear of those they grew up with, getting married, or starting college. They feel they've lost time and they want to catch up.
My advice is always the same: chill. Don't get in a hurry. Beyond staying sober, don't put great expectations on yourself. Sure you've fallen behind. After all, you were a drug or alcohol seeking robot for a while. It's going to take time to repair the body and the mind. But, you're alive and sober.
When things seem tough, congratulate yourself for not drinking or smoking dope. For not running away. When you awake in the morning whisper a prayer of thanks for your freedom from addiction.
Be kind and loving to yourself when you look in the mirror. You made it this far, to another day of living in freedom.
Congratulate yourself. Because your life is better than it was when you started your recovery.
Flow with life and remember that everything is exactly as it supposed to be at this moment.
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