Embracing The Fear
Scared? Do it anyway.
Change can be a daunting word. It’s scary as all hell. It carries the weight of the unknown and the discomfort of leaving our familiar paths behind. When it comes to the process of recovery, change is not just a possibility but a necessity. And with change often comes fear – the fear of the unfamiliar, the fear of discomfort, and the fear of the unknown.
It's natural to be afraid of change, especially when it involves breaking free from the chains of addiction, overcoming mental health challenges, or embarking on a journey of self-improvement. But, as paradoxical as it may seem, embracing this fear is a crucial part of the recovery process. Fear is a sign that you're on the verge of growth. It's a testament to your willingness to step out of your comfort zone and face the demons that have held you captive.
“Embrace The Change That Fall Brings.”
While fear might seem like an adversary, it's often a friend in disguise, pushing you to confront your inner struggles and move forward. The comfort of familiarity: we often find comfort in what we know, even if what we know is detrimental to our well-being. The familiarity of our old habits, even if they're destructive, can be reassuring. Breaking away from this familiarity is challenging, but it's necessary for recovery to happen. Change might feel uncomfortable, but it's the discomfort that will lead you to success and happiness.
I’ll never forget when I got the opportunity to get on a plane and move to Wisconsin. This was my last and final attempt to get my life together. I had no idea what was in store for me, or what to expect. I just knew that it had to be better than the bridge I was currently residing under.
As I got in a cab and made my way into the airport I thought about turning back around more times than I can count. I remember being sick to my stomach. I remember counting every literal foot step boarding that plane and making my way to my seat. Come on Heidi. Right foot, left foot, right foot, left. I wonder if it’s too late to grab my bag and get the fuck out of here. I’ve never been so full of anxiety in my life. But I knew I had to do it. I knew that this was about to be a brand new chapter for me and there’s nothing that scared the shit out of me more than that.
The strength and hope that I carried in that moment is something I revisit frequently. Getting on that plane was the best thing I ever did for myself. It was the pivotal moment that changed my entire life. If I chose to get off the plane and not tough it out or face my fears I would have went right back to where I was at; under that bridge. I don’t even like to think about where that would of led me or where I would be today if I didn’t make the decision that I did. I more than likely wouldn’t still be here if we’re being totally honest. I’m not sure what driving force helped me get on that plane, but I thank God for it every single day.
Pressing forward and coping with the discomfort is essential. In recovery, you'll face discomfort head-on. Whether it's the physical cravings of addiction, the emotional turmoil of confronting past trauma, or the uncertainty of a new, sober life, discomfort is part of the journey. It's in these moments of discomfort that you find your true strength. Learning healthy ways to cope with discomfort is an essential skill in the recovery process.
Embracing the fear of change builds resilience. It teaches you to adapt, to face adversity, and to come out stronger on the other side. Each challenge you overcome in recovery adds to your resilience, making you better equipped to handle life's ups and downs. It’s crucial to seek support. Fear and discomfort can be overwhelming, but you don't ever have to face them alone.
Seek the support of friends, family, support groups, and professionals who understand the struggles you're going through. They can provide guidance, encouragement, and a safe space to share your fears and vulnerabilities. In the journey of recovery, change is inevitable, and with change comes fear and discomfort. But remember, it's through these challenges that true healing occurs.
Embrace the fear as a companion on your path to recovery, and as you face uncomfortable changes, you'll discover a strength and resilience within yourself that you never knew existed. In the end, it's not just the fear you overcome; it's the transformed, healthier, and more empowered version of yourself that emerges on the other side.
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Additional Tools & Helpful Resources:
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Disappointments are a challenge for all us. Some more difficult to handle than others. A failure journal is a helpful tool that helps one navigate those hardships, and does an excellent job helping re-direct and focus on the good instead of allowing ourselves to be hindered and consumed with the bad. The failure journal is structured to track any or all unfortunate events that occur within our day-to-day lives. Note them. Then go back… a week from now or even 6 months from now and allow this to be your self-reflection guiding source. Go back and review those you listed under “Todays Disappointments.” and “How This Made Me Feel.” and now honestly answer the prompts following…including “What Did I Learn From This?” and “What Good Came From This?” By practicing these principles one can gain insight, gratitude, and a shift in their overall perspective. It’s easy to become consumed in the negative, or all our downfalls. Allow your failure journal to bring to light all the reasoning behind those unfortunate events. Once you begin this practice, it becomes much easier to subconsciously implement it on your own as you go about your normal day. Using this tool will help you gain a sense of peace and acceptance as you journey through life and realize we all face challenges; instead of letting them have a negative impact, we can learn to embrace them as we prepare for the greater things up ahead we know they are leading us to!
