Your Secrets Keep You Sick: Embracing Powerlessness and Finding Empowerment

“She stared into a nearly empty bottle wondering what her life had become. At first glance, she saw countless memories, endless nights of laughter, and waves of excitement. When she took a second glance all she saw was pain, shame, guilt, mistakes, and a tremendous amount of regret. A stillness whisked through the room leaving the option to soothe the tornado of turmoil in her mind or bring this paralyzing chapter to an end, and although she was used to pacifying these feelings that aided in her addiction, she knew this drink could possibly be her last”.

I am her and this is my take on recovery:

I want to preface all of this with the journey to recover from addiction as well as mental health issues is a path marked by courage, resilience, and profound transformation. This begins with the acknowledgment of a simple but powerful truth: your secrets keep you sick. The entire process takes leaps and bounds into the deepest corners of your being, bringing the most dreadful feelings straight to the surface. There is no other choice but to bare down and begin to uproot and untangle the years of repressed emotions, events, and trauma you buried so deep, you thought they were actually gone. There comes a time to let the secrets out and the healing begin, if chosen otherwise it could be detrimental to your very existence. Addiction generally masks things we do not want to deal with, which then leads to other symptoms, creating a much bigger problem. What cannot been seen to the naked eye in the very moments of its destruction will come to light sooner than later. It all comes down to a simple but frightening choice, do you want to live or do you want to die.

Once you have made the right choice, that is when the real work begins. Acceptance is the first pivotal step. This acceptance does not mean resignation but rather recognizing the reality of your situation as a foundation for transformation. The paradox of all of this is that true power comes from acknowledging powerlessness over addiction. Once you cross that bridge, you are open to the thought of surrender. Through surrender, you gain a new kind of power, the power to seek help, focus on change, and to build a new life. Many find strength in believing in a higher power that guides them or having a connection to something greater than themselves. Willpower alone is not going to cut it. This entire process offers a chance to explore your identity where you learn to appreciate your strengths and weaknesses. You begin to grow when you recognize and accept all parts of yourself that have led you to this point, ultimately understanding how you have become the person you are today. It is important to cultivate self-love by forgiving yourself for past mistakes and embrace the changes that develop. Recovery is a very delicate balancing act. Finding equilibrium between work, relationships, and healthy activities is crucial. Establishing a routine that includes time for therapy, meetings, and self-care helps maintain this balance. Through all of this your support system will be revealed. The encouragement and understanding from family, friends, therapists, and support groups will form the backbone of your recovery. Unfortunately, others will turn their backs, unable to understand your journey. While painful, this makes it clear who genuinely cares about your well-being. Make a deal with yourself that if anything hinders your peace, happiness, or sobriety, it must be removed from your life permanently. Being vulnerable and honest with yourself and others is a beautiful thing. It is imperative to come to terms with the concept of time and control. Time is the one thing we can never get back, so do the things that consist of self-love and mindfulness. We cannot control what others feel, think, or do, we can only control how we react to them. Through all of these highs and lows you become stronger and more resilient. Your self-worth reappears and you begin walk in your power, knowing you are capable of anything if you are willing to dedicate the time and consistency it takes to achieve the greatness you know you deserve. This is empowerment, embrace it. Stay focused on self-love and creating healthy boundaries, with this you will continue to learn and grow in this new normal you have been gifted.

Reason, Season, or Lifetime: Understanding People in Our Lives

Life is a journey marked by various chapters, each bringing new beginnings, experiences, and people into our lives. Some individuals stay for only a short while, while others become permanent fixtures. Understanding why people enter our lives, whether for a reason, a season, or a lifetime, can profoundly impact our path of self-discovery, self-reflection, and our understanding of love.

People for a Reason: People who come into our lives for a specific reason often serve to fulfill a need we have expressed, consciously, or unconsciously. They may provide guidance, support, or help during challenging times. These relationships are often temporary, but they are crucial for our growth.

People for a Season: Seasonal relationships often correspond with certain periods in our lives. They bring joy, growth, and new experiences, helping us learn more about ourselves and the world around us. These relationships are marked by their transformative nature, even though they may not last forever.

People for a Lifetime: This is the rarest type of relationship and should be considered precious. These are the people who stand by us through thick and thin, offering unwavering support and understanding. Such connections are not without their challenges, but the mutual commitment and respect ensure that these relationships endure.

Understanding the transient nature of some relationships helps us appreciate their purpose without clinging to them unnecessarily. When we recognize that certain people are meant to be in our lives only temporarily, we can accept their departure with positivity and gratitude. This mindset allows us to move forward and embrace new beginnings with an open heart. It is essential to remember that all relationships, whether fleeting or lifelong, require commitment and respect. A relationship you truly value should be nurtured with effort and care. Love may be blind, but true friendship is clairvoyant, it sees and understands beyond the surface. Now it is time to embrace the journey. Clarity about why people enter or leave our lives can lead to profound self-reflection and growth. When our needs are met and our desires fulfilled, it’s often time to move on. Time is our most precious asset, and it should be spent with those who enrich us with contentment, laughter, love, and lightness of heart.

Whether someone is in your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime, be grateful for the learning gift they bring. Each person’s role is indispensable, and their presence, good or bad, contributes to your journey. Value these experiences as God sent opportunities for growth and understanding. In the series of chapters in life, each brings us unique individuals for a specific purpose. By understanding the roles these people play, either for a reason, a season, or a lifetime, we can navigate our journey with greater clarity, gratitude, and positivity. Cherish the relationships that last and appreciate those that come and go, for each one leaves an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

Embracing the Unforeseen: The Real Journey

Have you ever experienced moments where life takes an unexpected turn, catapulting you into a realm of boundless possibilities? It is almost as if the universe or a being more powerful than ourselves is actually conspiring in your favor, unveiling a reality of beyond your wildest dreams. I found myself on such a journey, where the familiar terrain of certainty dissolved, and the horizon expanded to reveal the extraordinary. There was a time when I believed I had life tightly packaged, each step meticulously planned, every outcome fairly predictable. The crazy part is life has a way of surprising us, shaking the foundations of our existence, and leading us down paths we never imagined experiencing. It was the in the midst of one such seismic shift that I discovered the profound beauty of embracing the unknown. As my world underwent a complete metamorphosis, I found myself immersed in experiences I had only dared to dream of. Manifestations once whispered in the quiet space in my mind began to materialize before my very eyes. It was as though the universe, in its infinite wisdom and glory, had been listening intently to the true desires of my heart, weaving them into the fabric of reality. With each passing moment, I continued to find myself enveloped in a sense of joy and fulfillment that surpassed anything I had ever known. The happiness that began to flow through me was not merely fleeting, but a profound and enduring state of being. This happiness was not born just from external circumstances, but from a deep sense of alignment with my true self. As my frequency soared to new heights, I became attuned to the pulsating energy of the universe, each heartbeat echoing with the promise of infinite possibilities. I reveled in the synchronicities that danced across my path, each one a gentle reminder of the interconnectedness of all things.

While embracing this newfound reality, I discovered that true happiness lies not in the destination, but in the journey itself. It is the moments of uncertainty, the twists and turns of fate, that we find the raw material from which our dreams, wants, and desires are sculpted. If you find yourself on the precipice of change, uncertain of what lies beyond, I offer these words of encouragement: Embrace the unknown with open arms, within these depths lie the keys to unlocking a reality more beautiful than you could ever imagine. Trust the wisdom of the universe or a higher power you put your faith in, and allow yourself to be swept away in the currents of transformation. It is the surrender to the unknown that we truly come alive. Everything that you once knew to be true, simply becomes a distant memory when you start living the reality you were meant to thrive in. There is a path already designed for each of us, within you lies the power and strength to navigate it, you must find this and harness it. That is when the real journey begins.