As we are working to recover from our addictions and mental health issues, one of the things we will inevitably have to face are the unhealthy, self-destructive, harmful behaviors we have developed over the course of our lives. We are often in denial about our behaviors, have yet to become conscious of them, or are aware of them but are trying to ignore them as much as possible. When we are ready to confront our toxic patterns, it requires that we do some important emotional work, addressing who we are as people and looking at our behaviors intentionally.
Courage
Facing ourselves and our pain head on is one of the hardest things we’ll ever have to do. Our addictions are often largely about running from our pain and trying to find ways to avoid it. Confronting our pain takes courage. We often don’t believe we are brave. We think we are weak. Getting to this point, where we are willing to do this work and try to come to terms with ourselves, is courageous and brave. Affirm to yourself, “I am brave. I am strong. I have the power to heal myself.”
Honesty
We have to be honest with ourselves if we want to confront our unhealthy behaviors and really move forward. The truth can be hard to take, and it can be painful, but the more we lie to ourselves, the more we perpetuate our patterns and worsen our pain. Seeking the truth of who we are, our weaknesses, our past mistakes and regrets, is so important for recovery. We can’t really heal if we’re lying to ourselves and refusing to see the truth. Believe in your strength and in your ability to handle the truth.
Openness
For much of our lives, many of us have felt closed off to happiness and healing. We think we can’t recover. We believe we aren’t meant to be happy. Addressing our behaviors requires an openness on our parts, a willingness to open our minds and hearts, both to our pain and to hope. Can we open ourselves to the possibility of healing? Can we be open to the process, with everything that comes along with it, including the difficulties?
Vulnerability
When we are caught in our addictive and depressive cycles, we often feel shame, regret and remorse about our behaviors, and these are such hard emotions to handle that we try to pretend we don’t feel them. We think we have to pretend to be infallible, or perfect, or without pain. Confronting our behavioral patterns requires that we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, that we recognize our humanity, that we see our pain not as weakness but as part of our journey.
Addressing our unhealthy behaviors is an important part of recovery, and we’re here to support you. Call (800) 871-5440.