First, if you’re taking time out to read this, I want to as always say thank you. I continue to pour out my thoughts and learn experiences in these blogs. My goal is to help educate those of us that are impacted directly by addiction. I know firsthand the reality of what happens when addiction runs rampant not just in your family but in you. That is why every single day I will do my part to be a voice for those to feel like they cannot be heard.
That being said today’s topic is the power of resilience of those in recovery. Resilience is a vital and necessary skill when it comes to recovery. That being said some of the most resilient people I know are those that were battling addiction and we’re pushed to the brink. It is in my opinion that it’s those people that’s to me seem the strongest. It’s as if resilience radiates around them.
That being said, what is resilience? To put it simply, resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. Resilience is a learn behavior not an innate trait. We learn resilience through those experiences that we feel were sent to destroy us. It’s while we are finding our way through that we build up strength. This is so key for those of us that are battling addiction because it should be noted that even through the strongest moments as long as we are fighting forward, we are moving towards a pathway of recovery and being strengthened through the struggle.
Resilience is beyond important in recovery. It helps those of us that are battling addiction. Navigate the ups and downs of recovery. The journey is not an easy one and it’s those of us that have foreign resilience. They find it easier to keep going forward, no matter the obstacle that comes our way. Resilience helps an individual that’s battling addiction or stepping into recovery foster a positive mindset and helps people overcome setbacks. For those of us in recovery resilience can lead to personal growth, deeper self awareness and stronger relationships with those around us.
What are the characteristics of being resilient? It is in my opinion that some of the traits or characteristics of someone that is resilient are as follows, the individual is full of optimism they see challenges opportunities they have an ability to adapt or adjust to new circumstances and find solutions. They also have a certain level of perseverance, which allows them to continue and strive despite difficulties. these are just a few of the characteristics in my opinion.
Now let’s discuss strategies to build resilience. I personally always recommend that individuals practice, self compassion, or encourage kindness towards themselves. The next thing I recommend is that individual set realistic goals, focus on achievable steps and recovery doing this can give an individual a sense of value purpose, and gratitude as they accomplish new things. I also recommend cultivating a support network, surround yourself with understanding people that support your journey going forward embrace change, and learn to view changes as an opportunity for growth. Lastly, develop coping skills, using mindfulness, journaling, or other physical activities is extremely beneficial to an individual when trying to build resilience.
I encourage anyone reading this to reflect on personal experiences related to resilience. Think about the challenges that you faced and overcome. Think of how you’ve bounced back from situations that you felt in a moment we’re going to take you out or destroy you. That being said, I also encourage you to enter in spaces that are supportive where everyone can listen and learn from each other story because truly you have one that needs to be told.
In conclusion for those of us that are in recovery resilience is key. Resilience is what gives us the ability to keep going forward down our path of recovery, no matter the ups downs in between or hurdles. Be encouraged in the fact that those toughest moments are strengthening you for the journey ahead and it’s in those moments that you are forming the necessary resilience to stay successful in your recovery journey. You can do this and know this to be true, you are not weak because of the things you went through you are resilient because of how you’ve kept going forward.
