RANDOM THOUGHTS ON STAYING SOBER; Finding a healthy way to deal with guilt which arises from dishonesty, pride, selfishness and a perverted sexuality is a tool that everyone on the healing path gotta have. *** A person struggling with addiction will throw it all away in an instant for the thrill or for the escape. In as much as this is insane when it comes to someone that has no issue with addiction, this is the norm when it comes to someone struggling with addiction. *** A person struggling with addiction has already beaten themselves up for the mistakes and the wrong moves they make. They have crucified and condemned themselves. Condemning and calling them out will only worsen the situation. They are powerless over it. Reasons why they should be treated with empathy and non-judgement. *** It’s not about willpower or choice or saying no when it comes to overcoming addiction. Only someone that has never struggled with addiction or someone in absolute denial thinks they work! They never do. It’s about something that is stronger than willpower — that is Godpower! *** Breaking an addiction is like grieving the loss of someone close to you. You go through all the motions of grief, some which are very intense. That’s why it’s easier to slip into denial; easier to pick up that drink again or use again or escape… *** The 3 H’s lay a firm foundation for anyone to overcome any addiction- be it substance or behavioral; 1. Honesty 2. Humility 3. Hope. As one grows in these, so will the grace in them grow to beat any bad habit and overcome any addiction. *** In the journey of recovery, solitude becomes a sanctuary. As you heal and grow, you’ll find that being alone no longer feels isolating, but rather, it brings a deepening sense of peace and inner calm. *** While human support is vital as we pursue emotional and psychological healing, God’s role is indispensable. He alone can access the depths of our souls, bringing healing and restoration to areas beyond human reach. As we see in Matthew 14:14, Jesus had compassion on them and HEALED their sick. *** Embracing soul-searching as a regular habit and consistently taking personal inventory will profoundly enrich your recovery journey. This intentional practice will not only deepen your self-awareness but also steadily move you further away from the risk of relapse, fostering a more resilient and lasting recovery. *** Understanding your addiction starts with knowing why. Are you drawn to depressants or stimulants? Your personality type may hold the key. Discover the connection and take the first step towards recovery. *** Conducting a thorough inventory of pride is a crucial step towards humility. This process involves: – Identifying actions that have sparked pride. – Digging deeper to uncover prideful thoughts and intentions. – Acknowledging and owning up to where you have been proud. By taking this honest and introspective approach, you can take the first step towards embracing humility. Humility is at the core of sobriety, recovery and overcoming any addiction. *** When navigating painful experiences, it’s essential to move through them, rather than simply moving on. Moving through means: – Accepting the experience for what it was – Owning up to your emotions and actions – Finding healing and closure By doing so, you’ll transform the memory of the experience. The pain will subside, leaving only a scar that reminds you of your strength and resilience. You’ll be able to recall the experience without reliving the hurt, thus emerging stronger and wiser. *** The way you confront and overcome shame plays a crucial role in your recovery journey. There are two paths: 1. Denial: Sweeping shame under the rug, leading to a superficial and unfulfilling recovery. 2. Acceptance: Embracing shame, making amends, and setting things right, resulting in a more authentic and rewarding recovery journey. Choosing the latter path requires courage and vulnerability, but it’s the only way to truly heal and find lasting growth. By acknowledging and working through shame, you’ll build a stronger foundation for your recovery and unlock a more meaningful and purposeful life. *** Sobriety can’t be imposed on someone; no matter how connected, powerful, or influential you are. True change requires a personal desire to transform. They must want it for themselves and take the first step. Only then can they begin their journey towards recovery. *** Absolute sobriety is a new and unfamiliar journey. You may not know what to expect, but that’s okay. Walk in faith, and as you progress, utilize the recovery tools that unfold before you. Embrace the journey as an unplanned adventure, and find joy in your growth. By doing so, you’ll reap the most benefits and get the best out of this transformative experience. *** Leave space in your recovery for the unexpected. Allow room for spontaneous inspiration to guide you, and be open to unexpected calls to action that will deepen your healing and growth. Embrace the unknown, and trust that life will bring you ‘inspired by the wind’ opportunities that will cement all your efforts in maintaining sobriety. *** Addiction is a ruthless captor that holds you hostage when you try to escape the discomfort within by using something without. However, its grip weakens when you confront and address the discomfort within in a healthy and fearless manner. *** Here are three keys that will help you overcome any addiction; 1. Acceptance: Admitting powerlessness over the addiction and acknowledging it is the first step towards recovery. 2. The 3 H’s- Hope: Believing in the possibility to live fully without your substance of choice or habit of choice. Honesty: Trashing all deceit, secrecy, duplicity and lies. Humility: Deflating the ego. 3. The Anointing: The divine power to break free from the grip of addiction, bringing spiritual strength, guidance, and transformation to overcome the yoke of addiction. *** Unforgiveness is often the unseen root of addiction. As you cultivate forgiveness, you’ll unlock the path to liberation. With each step towards forgiveness, you’ll break free from the shackles of addiction and walk into a life of greater freedom and peace. For instance, forgiveness of self. *** Soul searching sparks awareness, revealing the depths of our brokenness. This awareness ignites a hunger for healing, driving us to seek restoration. Through this journey, we discover the path to wholeness, and ultimately, find sobriety and all that is good.