What is your story is the question I recently asked the recovery support group for Believe Detox Center that I was facilitating. Everyone though on screen sort of hesitated especially being the conversation is always flowing. I suspected some to respond just in that way as I was introducing the topic of how to tell your story and advocate for yourself in regard to your sobriety.
It’s not every day that someone asks us what is your story? Some may never get asked at all. Still it is important to know how to tell your story in order to effectively advocate for yourself when on your journey to get sober or continue down the path of recovery. Being able to tell your story also helps us process experiences and emotions that may be triggering which is important when trying to get sober or avoid relapse.Telling our story to a listening ear also creates connection and reduces feelings of isolation.
Some tips for sharing your story include keeping authentic, focus on your feelings and experiences rather than the details of your substance use. Personal accountability is also beneficial when telling your story. Practice telling your story while expressing these things. Start by writing it and then speaking it. Just like your recovery, telling your story is a journey as well.
When telling your story, especially when seeking help for an addiction, we need to be able to discuss the challenges that addiction has caused in our lives. This sometimes is a struggle because it calls for us to be vulnerable. If a turning point has occured, such as wanting to seek help, express that as well as what that defining moment was when you chose to be sober.
While expressing your defining moment you may want to speak about the steps you’ve taken towards your recovery. Lastly, speaking about your current state helps your audience identify where you are at in your journey and will aid in helping them identify the help that you may need. It is important to practice these things in order to advocate for yourself and cause the impact needed.
When you advocate for yourself, your sobriety and more, make sure to be clear about what you need. That could be support, resources, or boundaries.make sure to communicate openly with friends, family and support groups and use “I” statements to express your feelings and needs. It is ok to do this.
I want to encourage anyone who is reading this blog to tell your story. Advocate for your recovery needs because you are the only one that can really tell people what you need in terms of support. Look for safe spaces where you can practice telling your story and experience going through the process. Sobriety is possible when we can get the help we need and this is a major component of being able to do so and remember that when we tell our stories it not only helps us process, but it provides those around us with support. So tell your story, one step at a time.
