If you’re recovering from an addiction, an essential part of the process is having the right mindset. Often, it is the negative thoughts that infiltrate the mind. And they can cause anyone to want to give up or do something that later becomes very regretful. The good news is that you can take control of your thoughts. Discover a simplified way with long-lasting results, and click here for ways to get help with your addiction.
Forgive Yourself and Others
The first thing you need to do to have a higher level of consciousness and stay in the present moment is to find forgiveness in your heart – for yourself – and others. Many people believe that forgiveness means you’re approving past behavior. But it means you’re willing to “accept” that the past cannot be any different other than it was.
Imagine if someone forgave you for a large debt you owed. Would you continually look for ways to pay it back or keep blaming yourself for the money owed? Probably not. More than likely, you would celebrate the debt forgiveness and be grateful that you don’t have to repay it. Forgiving yourself – and others – is as simple as that. Forgiveness is not easy, but that is a simplified way of having a good perspective through the process.
And to be clear, the past means 20 years ago, two years ago, or a day ago, and any timeframe in-between. Everyone makes mistakes, including you. Once you accept that fact, you can stop blaming yourself and free yourself of the burden. Let it go, and this will clear your mind in ways that allow you to have improved mindfulness.
Daily, include the following in your devotional and speak the words aloud:
- I forgive myself (or others) for ________.
- I am releasing old karmic connections after receiving the lesson I needed.
- I am grateful for the opportunity to better myself and know that I will.
- I wish to receive the very best from the universe and my creator.
Create a “Venting” Journal
Sometimes, all you need is an outlet for your emotions when you become overwhelmed, depressed or anxious. Maintaining a “venting” journal is effective for expressing those feelings. While a positive journal of gratitude is equally helpful, you can have both. Set a rule that you will only use it for those moments when you feel the most stressed or when the emotions become overwhelming. Your journal can be either written or voice. The voice memo feature on your smartphone is an excellent choice to capture your thoughts at the moment. Give yourself a short time limit, and then speak freely. Once you have briefly expressed your feelings, you will feel much lighter and clear-headed to move forward.
Stay Active and Exercise
Did you know that staying active has a direct impact on your mindset? There’s nothing wrong with “checking out” for self-care, but your body needs activity to build up dopamine and other endorphins in the brain. Dopamine is the hormone that produces those good feelings you want to feel while lying around on the couch and rarely do afterward.
Go for a walk, exercise, or dance with your favorite music playing in the background. You will be amazed at how wonderful you feel. And it’s even more empowering to know you can do this for yourself anytime. The key is to get started and stay consistent. Your thoughts may tell you that it’s not worth it or discourage you from even beginning. That is when you have to stand up to the inner critic and say: “No, I am not listening to you. Thank you for the help. But I choose to reject those thoughts and choose better for myself today.”
Take control of your mindset starting today. All your power is in the now, and you are where you need to be precisely at this moment. Keep moving forward with your recovery journey, and click here for more help. Stay encouraged and empowered to ascend higher for your life, free of an addiction that has weighed you down long enough.