Change is the Only Constant
Change can be the either the maker or the breaker for one in recovery. Although nothing in life is certain but change, this imminent catalyst is often an abrupt and powerful precursor that can test how strongly a foundation has been laid in recovery. How one either faces or runs from change is simply a matter of whether he or she is ready for this challenge or not. Many gather months, years or decades in sobriety without having faced major adversity. The true test of one’s foundation is in meeting and exceeding these movements of nature and conquering the fears that coincide with them.
Upon entering recovery, the mention of the “pink cloud” can often be a veil for the real world and what can be expected of a life lived recovering. Things seem promising and fruitful during the immediate challenge of overcoming the addiction’s hold. After the body has been cleansed of the toxin, the truth of the disease reveals itself and the real healing begins. Not all of those who enter into recovery are aware of their underlying issues. Built on year upon year of drudgery and hidden secrets, the life of this person is unveiled once the fog has lifted and the reality of his decisions and consequences are faced.
Making a decision to enter into recovery is a warrior’s path. Scars left from years of abuse and mindless addictive behavior can surface and help bring you into an awareness of who you actually are. Finally seeing the light can be a harsh reality check for a warrior on the path to healing. What has worked for me has been a multitude of things, including the 12-step process, therapy, group processing and accountability. But above all, I’ve been helped by a spiritual obsession that has replaced my active use. This thirst for growth is not for the meek of heart. It takes much discipline, a desire to heal and an understanding that without spiritual growth the foundation will be built on sand.
Without my spiritual foundation, there is no way I would be able to face the challenges and growth I am presented with today. In order for me to keep this going, I realized that no meeting, no suggested path to recovery, no person and no place could save me. What I understood early on was that, in order to face the changes that would come and to ease the growing pains, I needed to continue to embark on my spiritual growth journey. Only my Higher Power can save me. Only my Higher Power has the infinite ability to manage my life when I lose the will to do so. Without my Higher Power, I am lost and disconnected from the source. Without my Higher Power, I am not on my recovery journey but at a standstill. Change happens regardless of connection to a Higher Power. My perspective on the situations and how I handle them are affected by where I am on my spiritual quest.
My belief about what I am able to do in recovery depend on how far I have come on my spiritual path and on my service to myself and others. This is where my journey has taken me. Leaps and bounds from where I use to be, I find peace and contentment when I am working toward healing the wounds that scarred me in my past. This means popping in and out of my comfort zone and consistently taking care of myself, whether or not I have had a lot of trying times or if it’s been quiet on the home front. It also means living in gratitude for the reminders about who I am and who I am becoming. Change will show you who and what you are. Change will reveal where you are on your journey. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Be true to yourself and what you know in your heart to be true. It’s your life. You’ve been blessed with a new lease. What will you do with it now?
I empower you to continue to seek. Never stop growing. Continue to push your comfort zones, even if it’s just a little tiny bit at a time. It is in times of change that we learn to understand others and, most importantly, ourselves.
Love and light, fellow travelers. You have so got this!
Adventure V