Finding a pathway in recovery that works can be tricky. Everyone has their own unique experiences and things that are brought to the table. Spiritual growth, for example, is one way to finding a path in recovery but requires experimentation with different ways of viewing the world. Spiritual growth can come from attending AA meetings or focusing internally on what needs to happen to move beyond personal barriers to success. Learn some tips for how to find a pathway in recovery that works.
Fear in Recovery
Fear pops up for everyone in recovery. There is fear that a person will find recovery where people want to wrap up a program in a little box and attend a program that will demonstrate how clean and sober the person is. In fact, nobody is perfect and relapse happens as well as difficult circumstances getting in the way of recovery. Some simply need to design a personal pathway in recovery that works better rather than focus on what others say will or should work. AA does not work for everyone, so being open to other ways of growing spiritually and emotionally in recovery can be helpful.
An Evolution of Learning
The journey of recovery is all about peeling away the layers of meaning in a person’s life, looking at oneself in sobriety and asking what are the best next steps. Building a solid foundation early is critical but it takes time to find the right building blocks and materials. Some steps may include:
- Letting go of ego and let other people help
- Listen to oneself later in recovery
- Exercise and be physically active to improve stamina and overall wellbeing.
- Try different things to bring emotional peace such as meditation and yoga but remember it’s not for everyone
Knowing vs. Walking the Path
Addiction recovery is all about walking the path. In sobriety, people will go to meetings and recovery groups, advice will flow freely. As a person learns, it is important to focus on recovery and have ideas about how it works. The biggest thing is to make use of recovery principles and actually live life according to what will work best and not try to rush it. Recovery will unfold along the journey.
Discovering Gifts
As a person walks the pathway of recovery, eventually it will be important to find unique ways to help others. Reaching out can help identify ways a person can be supported on their journey. This is also an important part of any spiritual walk in recovery. To find meaning and purpose in connecting with others on the path is very gratifying and humbling. Take advantage of this opportunity to rest in knowing recovery is a lifelong journey with lots of curves and it will continue to get stronger the more a person focuses on doing their personal best every day to find that unique path.
The Villa helps individuals who are dealing with the challenges of addiction. If you or a loved one are struggling to get away from drugs and alcohol and need help, call us to find out how we can support your personal journey to sobriety.