Addiction takes a toll on your physical and emotional health. After spending months and years using substances, you may feel worthless, hopeless, and unsure of what the future holds. Recovery is more than putting down the drink or the drug. Recovery is also about healing your inner self.

Having compassion for yourself is a necessary step to achieving long-term, strong recovery. Being kind, patient, and compassionate to yourself allows you to heal and forgive others and yourself. Being compassionate to yourself allows you to finally recovery from the wounds that addiction caused and lets you live a new life.

What is self compassion? Self compassion is the ability to stop and give yourself a break. Compassion for yourself is kindness, patience, and understanding. Self compassion is giving to yourself what you would like others to give you. When it comes to recovery from addiction, self compassion is the foundation of your journey.

Exactly how do you show yourself compassion? Great question! Follow these steps to begin self compassion:

• Acknowledge your humanity
• Be patient
• Remind yourself that all accomplishments have ups and downs
• If you fall, dust yourself off and try again
• Talk to supportive people
• Go to meetings to hear stories of others who have struggled
• One day at a time is key

If someone were to ask you what you want to change about yourself, chances are you would be able to come up with an extensive list. If you were then asked what you like about yourself, you may not find it as easy to come up with an lengthy list. This needs to change. Self compassion is also about your perspective. Instead of keeping a list of all the things that you hate, try to focus on your positive list. Change your perspective.

Meditation and mindfulness is a good way to have more self compassion. Mindfulness is about staying in the present and decreasing your judgement. Life is what it is and some things you can’t change. Roll with it. Go with the flow. You can’t be perfect and you can only do so much in one day.

At The Kimberly Center, we understand that you want to change things about yourself. We also understand that life is a journey. Recovery is more than just not using, recovery is also a change in the way you view yourself.  Call us now at 855-4-KCENTER. We are committed to putting you and your recovery first. At the Kimberly Center, you are our priority.