Apr 27 2009
Acceptance is a Key
The hardest part of recovery is acceptance. Acceptance is the answer to overcoming all obstacles that enter your life. Acceptance that the substance, action or even emotions and thoughts are a part of your life.
In 12-step recovery the first three steps are the tools to build a foundation from and the basis for learning acceptance. The steps begin you on a journey to learning how to make a connection with the Universe, the Divine.
The definition of acceptance includes “the act of assenting or believing.” The favorable reception or approval is the other aspect to acceptance. This does not mean that you are not going to take action to make changes, it simply means that when you learn to accept the situation, thing, or attitude of someone else you can move beyond it. The result is that you will fell better about yourself.
Spiritual development begins with acceptance of life as it is, understanding that as individuals we each develop along the path that works for us. Each event, person, thought, and attitude that a person experiences serves a purpose at that time in their life. Until it does not work any longer.
Addiction involves any thing that alters our minds, moods and removes us from our depression, fear, and feelings of low self-esteem. Learning to accept the state in which you currently live your life is the first step to opening the door to change. Following this with the spiritual practices required to regain sanity and control over your life.
Taking this path of recovery is not a journey that should be taken alone. Finding someone who has trudged the path before you and can be a guide as well as a confidante is key to trudging the road of recovery. With the guidance of someone who demonstrates healthy, spiritual development you will find your way through the trials and tribulations of life. Especially early recovery that can be stressful and frightening.
For the more difficult, stressful aspects of recovery finding a professional may be required. Not everyone who has worked their 12-steps of recovery is capable of understanding or coping with the deeper fears and grief that some people enter recovery with. Trauma from childhood and adulthood are generally the reasons why we drink, use drugs and practice unsafe behaviors.
You are not alone.
