Recovery is a lifestyle change. Recovery is so much more than not drinking or using drugs. Recovery is the start to a new life. Like any endeavor, change is scary. You may be apprehensive about starting a new life, because it is an unknown realm. “What if I fail” or “What if don’t do this right” may be questions you are asking yourself. Starting a new path is not as scary as it sounds. Along the way you will have ups and downs, but you absolutely can do it.

First things first. You need to talk to yourself. If you have negative thoughts about accomplishing goals, it is time to start doing positive self affirmations. This may seem a little weird at first, but you are not crazy. Every time you think a self defeating thought, start saying positive affirmations.

Some examples are:

• I can do this
• I have come a long way
• If I got sober, I can overcome this
• My past does not determine my future
• I deserve to keep pressing forward

Stay connected with your support system. You can’t do this journey alone, so reach out to supportive family and friends. If you go to meetings or therapy, continue going. If you are not involved in a support group or counseling, you may want to consider starting. Support meetings and groups helps you stay connected and accountable. Support groups also help you learn new ways to handle life’s difficulties.

You have to learn about yourself too. Starting a new life is about learning what you enjoy and new things you want to try. Life, even sober life, does not have to be boring. If your recovery is boring, you aren’t doing it right.

After you implement positive self affirmations and are actively involved with your support system, get to know yourself. What kinds of things have you always wanted to do? Maybe you want to go skydiving, pick up a new career, learn sign language, or travel abroad. Now that you are in recovery you have the chance to do all of those things on your bucket list.

If you are able to stay connected and engage in self- care, your chances of long term recovery are high. You will not want to go back to your old life once you realize all of the joys, pleasures, and new experiences that recovery has to offer.

The Kimberly Center offers the best in partial care programming for the treatment of addictions and co-occurring disorders. Providing a variety of treatment services with love and compassion, our clinical team serves to help clients heal mind, body, and spirit. Call us today for information: 855-4-KCENTER