Are you pursuing the opportunities that await you? If not, why? What is stopping you from chasing those hopes and aspirations that fill your soul with joy? Is it related to finances, family, addiction, skills, education, laziness, ego, stubbornness, health, legal issues, or something else? Ask yourself, where am I placing the blame for my lack of opportunity?
Life delivers precisely what we choose to put into it. There is no magic to life and the outcomes it delivers. The more effort we put into something, the more we get out of it. The more studying we do, the better grades we get. As we exercise more, our daily energy level increases. The more distractions we let into our lives, the less we achieve. The more honest we are with ourselves, the more freedoms gained. The more dedicated we are in recovery, the less we hear from our addiction. This system of inputs and outputs works with most everything in life. Life does not pick and choose winners and losers; it only measures the effort put in to determine what the outcome shall be.
Where you are in life is related to the efforts and decisions you make today and those you’ve made in the past. However, your past choices are not as important as the ones you choose to make today. Your current situation should never be used as an excuse that stops you from getting to where you want to go. Sure, past choices may present hurdles on your current journey, but they should never be used as an excuse for inaction. Your decisions have placed you in this very moment, and what you choose from here will determine where you end-up. What we know for sure is that self-loathing, shame, resentments, and other self-generated excuses do no good; they are not productive. The only thing they seem to do is stop you from getting to where you want to be.
Know that you are who is in control. What this means is, since you are the one stopping yourself, you are the one who can put yourself back in action. To do this, ask yourself a few questions:
· Am I playing the role of a victim?
· What barrier(s) have I created that are obstructing my progress?
· Who can help me overcome the hurdles in front of me?
· Why do I continue to follow a path that has yet to deliver the opportunities I desire?
The fact is, life goes on whether you like the terms, rules, or processes it operates under. Life is not unfair or singling you out, even though at times it may seem that way. Your friends, bosses, family and partners all operate under the same terms of life and you cannot change them or the way of the world. Life is not going to feel sorry for you or offer you sympathy or understanding. The simple fact is life keeps moving and will patiently wait until you choose to jump on board again.
As with all things in recovery, finding opportunity starts with honesty. Financial problems are not what is stopping you. Nor are family, health, addiction, skills, education, legal, or anything else. They are just excuses. Be vulnerable with yourself so you can identify what has you stuck. Is it fear, shame, ego, embarrassment, stubbornness, laziness, or something else that has gotten in the way of meaningful change? Wanting something different is natural, so use this desire to energize personal change.
So, what is stopping you from getting what you want out of life? Answering this question honestly can help you make the necessary life changes that lead to an abundance of opportunity. Theses changes must include getting rid of expectations as well as excuses. They must consist of an acceptance of reality and getting into action. The mind will always make getting into action seem harder than it really is. Find the courage to take the first few steps:
· Surround yourself with people who genuinely have your best interests in mind.
· Use your supports to develop a strategy that can get you where you want to go.
· Prioritize your day based on the strategy developed and get into action.
· Focus on doing what you set out to do each day and let outcomes happen.
Whatever it is that is stopping you from receiving the opportunities of life can be overcome. Life wants you to be who you want to be. It wants you to achieve what you want to achieve. It wants you to receive all its greatness. All you have to do today is make the CHOICE to go out and get it.
ABOUT CHOICE RECOVERY
Choice Recovery is an outpatient addiction treatment center in Mesa, Arizona offering those suffering with a drug or alcohol addiction or co-occurring disorder a platform for change. Our integrated behavioral health approach to addiction treatment makes the Choice Recovery IOP an effective and engaging program that results in more than sustainable recovery, but a life that you love.
Choice Recovery accepts AHCCCS insurance plans for our addiction treatment services including Mercy Care, Banner University, Care 1st, Arizona Complete Health, Health Choice Arizona, Magellan and United Healthcare. We also accept private insurance like Blue Cross Blue Shield and many others. Please contact us at 480-527-0337 or via email at admin@choiceiop.com. Thank you for your interest in Choice Recovery.
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