There are a number of reasons, especially in today’s day and age, that can make it difficult to maintain recovery. Triggers and temptations seem to be lurking around almost every corner. Especially in this world of instant gratification, learning self-control and discipline can prove to be a challenge. Maintaining recovery not only requires a certain level of that self-control, but it also requires acceptance, courage, and constant faith and hope.
It can be a discouraging journey filled with many ups and downs, but keeping an eye on that light at the end of the tunnel can help you through it. How is that possible? Well, there is no one right way. Sometimes it is done by making smart decisions about your recovery. Other times, it is about having faith on the darkest of days that the next day will be better. There will be times where it is about getting back up on your feet when you have experienced a lapse, and deciding to continue on when giving in may seem easier in the moment.
How You Can Stay Strong?
The concept of “staying strong” has been practiced for years by individuals going through various struggles, though it is often easier said than done. How you manage to stay strong is an individual journey. Along this journey, you will discover what triggers you, what motivates you, and how you can achieve your long-term goals.
For instance, one method you may initiate is list-making. Making a list of the long-term goals you hope to achieve in your recovery and generally in your life can help to guide you on your path. Post that list on your bathroom mirror. Have a copy on the dashboard of your car. Maybe even consider making that list the background of your phone screen. That list can serve as a constant, physical reminder of all the things you are recovering and living for.
Resilience, Reliance, and Responsibility
Sometimes, the weight of what you are responsible for may feel like too much to bear. Sometimes you may take on so much that it may quite literally feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. That weight though can sometimes motivate you. The responsibilities you have and the dependency on yourself to be reliable can help you to stay on your recovery journey.
This is especially true for those who have children, parents, or other family members to take care of, or friends who are going through horrible situations. Yes, stressful situations can be triggering, but when you accept them and take up your crosses to shoulder those responsibilities, you can feel the greatest sense of empowerment at times.
Additionally, the power of family should never be underestimated. It has often been seen that those with family support have a higher success rate in their recovery. The beauty of family is that, while they can require you to take on an immense amount of responsibility, they can also be a powerful support system to lean on in times of trouble. Be empowered in the responsibility of family when you feel strong, but also be sure to turn to them when you need strength.
The Power of Prayer
There are times when it can be easy to forget just how powerful prayer can be. We may sometimes think of prayer as this big ceremonial thing, but in actuality, prayer is mostly just a conversation. Meditating on your situation, identifying where you are experiencing struggles most, and praying for the strength to endure them may feel open-ended, but it is not.
Recall the Twelve Steps and the importance of accepting God’s ability to heal and grant you the strength and resilience to continue carrying your cross of addiction. This concept is the entire embodiment of the Serenity Prayer, asking God to grant you the serenity to accept the things you cannot change, the courage – or strength – to change the things you can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
The beauty of letting go and letting God in is that with Him all things are possible. On the darkest of days, or even if you fall into a relapse, if you truly believe that God can get you through anything, then there is never anything to fear. Each dark day will pass, and you will find another day of light. The more resilient you are, and the more you get back on your feet after every battle, the stronger you will be in the end.
Turning to faith, family, and prayer in your darkest hours of need can grant you strength and resiliency to persevere in your recovery, even when it all seems like too much. Staying strong can sometimes be half the battle, but know that you do not have to do it alone. At Renaissance Ranch, we believe in the healing capabilities of turning towards your Higher Power, following the 12-Step journey, and relying on your family to serve as a support system through the whole thing. At Renaissance Ranch, we offer gospel-centered and clinically driven treatment to ensure you receive the best possible chance at recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and is in need of a spiritual journey filled with hope and healing, reach out to us at Renaissance Ranch at (801) 308-8898 today and begin your road to recovery. You do not need to fight the battle of addiction alone.