There are many similarities between getting sober (physical and emotional) and healing. Healing of the body, of the mind, and of the soul. This process of healing and awakening must be for some purpose, right? What is the reason? Why are you getting healed? Why are you becoming whole? Now that you understand the benefits and necessity of sobriety life is becoming clearer. Now that you are putting wisdom into practice you are becoming stronger. Where do you go from here? This module will help you look ahead to the bright and beautiful future that is waiting for you so you can live more fully now.
Dream Big
The reason why you are sober and being renewed is first to do no harm. Then, it is to discover or re-ignite a greater sense of passion and purpose in your day to day walk and long-term goals. If you extend an arch from where you are in your life today up ahead to 5 years from now, where will that lead you? Are you looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Will dreams of material wealth sustain your sobriety?
Dreaming big goes beyond a world of material comforts. It connects you to people and places that reflect and help you build on your newly found wisdom. If your fundamental reason for becoming whole is only about you, the spiral is turned inward on yourself. A better perspective has the flowing spiral of your life flowing outwards, extending to others. As you give you receive more. How does this work?
Engaging and Sharing
You have learned so much during your time with the 24/7 Sobriety Success Educational Series. We’ve covered some pretty important ground.
Have you found your relationships are more clearly defined and vibrant?
Are you encouraging others yet on how to make small (or big) changes to their own lives regarding substance use?
Do you believe that the hooks and hang-ups from your past patterns are being broken and that you have come out of the old life?
How can you best share your story and experiences with others?
Without shame barking in your ear you are free to share your recovery journey. Some of the concepts and practices that were unfamiliar to you before are now solidly within your set of tools and resources. Do you think others need to hear what you have to say?
Today’s video is all about setting goals and having an accountability partner. We have explored the idea of peer support. Engaging with others through their struggles and victories expands your knowledge and vision. This can be family, friends, colleagues, a counselor, a recovery coach, or all of the above!
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Have you identified someone to be a strong accountability partner or recovery coach?
Would it help you to have someone assisting with your motivation on a regular basis?
Suggested Action Step
Write down your vision for the next 5 years. Where would you like to be and what would you like to accomplish? Then, find a capable accountability partner and share your vision with them.
Just as you had the option to share a moral inventory with someone in earlier lessons, now you are looking further ahead. You are using the same accountability principles. Telling someone about where you have been is helpful for helping to navigate changes and so is telling them where you want to go.
Reasons to Be Whole
Your reasons to be whole may be to get married and have a family, or to start a company in an area that you are passionate about. Maybe you want to finish a college degree. You may want to spread the news to others that sobriety is possible and the tremendous impact it has made in your life. You can now help others come out of substance abuse disorder and addiction! Just by telling your overcomers story you may be helping to save someone else’s life! Some gain strength going through traditional recovery programs and then look to get as far away from them as they can. Perhaps they haven’t gotten through all their shame issues or the stigmas that are attached to SUD. You will need to stay in touch with what keeps you sober and whole. Remember, we have never fully arrived. We are always arriving. Each day is a choice to live life on life’s terms. Never forget that.
Helpful Links
Rhapsody of Life: Poetic Visions