Finding Inspiration to Stay Sober

A common refrain amongst sober communities pairs two key pieces to sobriety success: cultivating a strong will and finding inspiration. One must desire a change in order to pursue the road to recovery, but pursuing such a course can seem insurmountably daunting. Change is hard. No matter the shift one is attempting to make, change is often terrifying. We become complacent. We choose to accept the unacceptable in order to avoid the monster in the closet that is change.

As observers, we pity the fabled slowly boiling frog, yet we ignore time and time again the descent into hotter and hotter water we find ourselves in. The slowly boiling frog fable is a myth, but it does present an unsettling image of our own tendencies toward change avoidance at the expense of our health, happiness, and security.

“Nothing endures but change.” ― Heraclitus

It is a fear of change that makes it essential to cultivate a strong will to step past the hurdle of initial doubt and trepidation. As the Greek philosopher of Ephesus espoused, change is the only constant in the universe. It is inevitable and unavoidable.

“Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.” ― Theodore Roosevelt

Don’t Give Up

Some days feel like a never-ending slog. Some days are excruciating, in point of fact. But not every day will feel that way. Though it may seem near impossible to push through the bad days, there are brighter days ahead.

“Everybody goes through difficult times, but it is those who push through those difficult times who will eventually become successful in life. Don’t give up, because this too shall pass.” ― Jeanette Coron

Acknowledging that times are hard and you are struggling is not a weakness. Being honest with yourself is an important step in moving forward. It is easy to fall down the rabbit hole of doubt and think that there is no possible way to give up drugs or alcohol, but it isn’t true. You are stronger than you think.

“Daring greatly is being brave and afraid every minute of the day at the exact same time.” ― Brene Brown

Look to Others to Inspire and Support

You are not alone. The road you travel may feel like a lonely stretch, especially when making the decision to cut ties with past associates who are not on the same journey as you, but there are those who are working towards the same goals. Finding people who are wading through the same waters can help build the sense of community that is a big part of recovery success. Though COVID has made reaching out more difficult, and the way in which we are able to interact with others looks a lot different than it did in the past, there are virtual options for maintaining a sense of community connection.

If you are struggling to find your own inspiration, ask those in your support circle what works for them. Use your community as a resource in order to build a strong foundation for success.

Celebrate Small Victories

Changing one’s life for the better doesn’t happen all at once. It cannot happen overnight. Remember to celebrate the small victories along the road to recovery. Shout it from the rooftops and sing in the rain for each incremental mark of success, not just the big wins. Keep in mind that the measure of your successes are against your own assessment. Your victories will never be the carbon copy of someone else’s.

“The only person who can pull me down is myself, and I’m not going to let myself pull me down anymore.” ― C. JoyBell C.

Fighting through an addiction isn’t synonymous with weakness or being unworthy. Moving past the disease and changing patterns to support healthier choices is within grasp. Every one of us is worthy of living happy and full lives. Learn how Recovery Community Development can help with a road to recovery.