Control is something that so many of us struggle with on a daily basis, and it makes sense – the tragic and upsetting events of our lives can sometimes feel so out of grasp, that we’ll hold onto anything to try and feel like we have some firm grounding. For many people, alcohol is viewed as a way to control situations – or, rather, to drown out painful feelings associated with not having any control over what’s going on around us. It’s these instances that we must learn that we can’t always control what happens to us – all that we have control over is how we choose to react to it.
A few years ago, writer Raven Ishak shared with Bustle Magazine her own insecurities with wanting control: “I tend to be a victim of my own insecurities, which often holds me back from fully living a happy, carefree life. I worry about the what-ifs instead of focusing on the present. But forcing situations to happen because you believe they should happen exactly the way you want them to is just not healthy.”
When we’re feeling the urge to get angry or to feel like a victim because life doesn’t go the way we planned for it to, there are a number of steps we can take to keep that desire of control “under control”:
- Be honest with yourself about the situation. What can you actually control and what can you not?
- Imagine yourself letting go of all the stress of trying to make something happen. Embrace that freeing feeling.
- Practice living in the present moment. Take each situation as it comes.
- Put flexibility into practice, and try reacting in different ways to see what brings you greater peace.
Control can consume us if we let it, so it’s crucial that we utilize healthy strategies for dealing with events if they don’t go our way. If you’re ready to work with a team of individuals who can propel your addiction recovery, speak with a professional from Avalon Malibu today.
Avalon Malibu is a world-renowned, California state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, call us today at 844-857-5992 for a consultation. It’s never too late, and there are people here ready to help you – it’s never too late to begin taking steps towards a happier, healthier life.
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