There was a time in my life when I felt like a victim to my circumstances. I thought that my addiction was something that had happened to me, something beyond my control. I believed that I was powerless to change my situation and that I was destined to live a life of misery.
It wasn't until I started to engage in a recovery path that I learned the foundational framework to my recovery. I discovered that while I may not have been able to control the things that happened to me, I could control my response to them. I could choose to be proactive instead of reactive, and I could choose to take responsibility for my actions.
One of the most powerful lessons that I learned during my recovery journey is that the only thing I have to do is die. This may sound morbid, but bear with me. What I mean is that death is the only guarantee in life. Everything else is uncertain. If the only thing I have to do is die, then everything else from the time I am born until the day I am gone I get to do.
This realization was liberating. It allowed me to step out of my victim mentality and take ownership of my life. I realized that I could choose to live my life in a way that was meaningful to me. I could pursue my passions, connect with others, and create a life that was fulfilling.
Of course, this is easier said than done. Recovery is a journey, and it requires effort, commitment, and persistence. But the rewards are immeasurable. When we choose to take ownership of our lives, we become the architects of our destiny. We create a life that is aligned with our values, our purpose, and our passions.
Recovery also taught me the importance of mindset. Our thoughts shape our reality. If we believe that we are powerless, then we will act accordingly. But if we believe that we have the power to change our lives, then we will take action towards that end.
This is why a personal mission statement can be such a powerful tool in recovery. It allows us to clarify our values, our purpose, and our vision for the future. It provides us with a roadmap for how we want to live our lives, and it empowers us to take action towards our goals.
My personal mission statement is, "With integrity, love, and compassion, I will be an instrument of change in my life and the lives of those struggling. I will continue to be someone the world needs by being the best version of myself daily to help inspire others to be the best version of themselves."
This mission statement reminds me that I have the power to make a difference in the world. It reminds me that I have a purpose, and that my life has meaning. It reminds me that I have the power to choose how I want to show up in the world, and that every day is an opportunity to make a positive impact.
Recovery has taught me that the only thing I have to do is die. This realization has allowed me to step out of my victim mentality and take ownership of my life. It has empowered me to create a life that is aligned with my values, my purpose, and my passions. If you're on a recovery path, I encourage you to embrace this mindset. Remember that you have the power to shape your reality, and that the only thing standing between you and your dreams is the willingness to take action.