Instant gratification is everywhere in the world around us, except in recovery. Recovery is no overnight process, with a winding journey unique to each individual with several phases — detox, rehab, ongoing care, and sober living. Developing a strong patience muscle will help you withstand the pains and disappointments of not just recovery but also in life. Joyce Mayer said it best when she described patience as, “not the ability to wait but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” Recovery can teach us many things about ourselves, and one of the most valuable lessons to be learned is patience.
How to Foster Patience in Recovery:
- Focus on the Positive – Focusing on what is going right helps to take away from the pressure of something else not going to plan. Often when the reality is not working out as we want, we should take the time to reevaluate our expectations to be sure they are realistic for the present moment. Another form of looking at the bright side of things is practicing gratitude. Finding it in yourself to be grateful for the knowledge you have learned through the experience of recovery and the insight you’ve gained into yourself is important to recognize and be proud of.
- Be Present – By building a mindfulness practice, you can learn to be present in the moment free from judgment. Mindfulness practices include meditation, body scans, creative activities, mindful movement, and mindful breathing or walking. Mindfulness practices teach us patience by letting go of the need to control or hurry and simply appreciate the present moment for what it is.
- Remember the Big Picture – You didn’t get to the place you are overnight, so healing will take the proper amount of time to occur. Frequently remind yourself that recovery is a process, and it is important to trust in the process. If you are following a 12-Step Program, then taking it one step at a time is critical. As you go, honor each feeling as it comes up, for it is revealing the truth to you.
Committing to lasting recovery takes patience, time, and effort. At Avalon, we offer many holistic, complementary therapies like yoga, art therapy, and music therapy that help our patients foster patience to help them stay resilient through whatever recovery throws at them. If you or someone you love is struggling to get or remain sober, call us today at (844) 857-5992. Our experienced professionals will help you build the program right for you to bring lasting recovery.
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