Recovery is a process, and like any process, it requires time and effort. But unlike other processes, recovery also requires letting go. If you fail to let go, you may struggle to maintain your sobriety or fall back into old behavior patterns. Below are tips on how to let go of control and hold onto your recovery.
Accept That You Can’t Control Everything
Accepting that you can’t control everything can be a tough pill, but it’s an important part of recovery. Remember that you are not responsible for everything that happens in your life or the world around you. You can’t control other people, and you can’t control everything that happens to you. Accepting this fact can help you let go of the need to control and allow you to focus on the things you can control, like your own behavior. To make it easier to accept that you can’t control everything, remember that other people are autonomous individuals with their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Just because you want them to behave a certain way doesn’t mean they will. And that’s okay.
Focus on Your Behavior
While you can’t control other people or everything that happens to you, you can control your behavior. So, focus on your behavior instead of worrying about what other people are doing or what might happen to you. Make sure you’re staying true to your recovery plan and taking care of yourself. This doesn’t mean you have to be perfect but try to stay on track.
Let Go of the Outcome
When you’re in recovery, it’s important to let go of the outcome. That means not worrying about what will happen down the road or whether you’ll “make it.” Just focus on today and take things one day at a time. Trust that as long as you keep up with your recovery plan, things will work out the way they’re supposed to. The efforts you put into recovery may not always produce the desired results, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth it. So, don’t give up even if things don’t go as you hoped. Just keep going and trust that, eventually, things will work out.
Make a Plan and Stick to It
Having a plan can help you feel more in control and give you a sense of direction. But it’s important to remember that your plan is not set in stone. Things will inevitably come up that throw your plan off course. When this happens, don’t panic. Take a step back, reassess your situation, and adjust your plan accordingly. When making a plan, you should:
- Choose realistic goals
- Make a schedule
- Find a support system
- Build in flexibility
This way, you can stay on track even when life gets in the way. And, if you do happen to veer off course, you’ll know how to get back on track.
Be Willing to Ask for Help
In recovery, it’s important to be willing to ask for help when you need it. Whether you need help with your recovery plan or want someone to talk to, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember, you’re not in this alone. Some people care about you and want to help you succeed. If finding someone to talk to is proving difficult, consider reaching out to a professional counselor or therapist. They can provide the support and guidance you need to stay on track.
Find an Outlet for Your Worry
If you struggle to let go of control, it may help you find an outlet for your worry. This could involve talking to a therapist, writing in a journal, or talking to a trusted friend or family member. It is important to find a way to release your worry instead of letting it build up inside you. The bottom line is that recovery requires letting go. If you can’t let go of control, you may find yourself struggling to stay sober or falling back into old behavior patterns. But by following the tips above, you can learn to let go and hold onto your recovery. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 614-705-0611. We’re professionals who care about your success. Reach out today to get started.