How is your new journey with sobriety going?
How is your new journey with sobriety going? Mine has been going amazing thanks to my Lord Jesus Christ. I will never stop giving him the praises for saving my life during my darkest moments.
Through the past months now, I have shared some of my sad stories and very bad memories with you. I believe that's a huge part of your mental health and sobriety success in life. So many years of holding everything in and not talking to anyone about the past made things more difficult for me (mentally and with my past addiction). You notice I said, "past addiction", yes that's right. I claim with everything that I have that I am a survivor of addiction. Not an actual addict. I feel no need to ever drink again because I have been saved and that curse has finally been lifted from me. I am standing tall and proud to be that small percentage in my family of those who have actually been able to break that blood line of addiction that has haunted us for years.
Looking back through the horrific tragedies that has happened to me and my family because of addiction makes me stronger than ever.
I will never go back! "In Jesus Name Amen" Thank you heavenly Father for that strength you have giving me to be 100% healed from addiction. Amen!
So, if you seem to keep sliding backwards in your journey, read my tips below that can be a tremendous help to your sobriety journey.
This list of things has helped me to get sober and to stay sober!
1.) If your addiction is out of control, the first thing you need to do is go to detox. You can die detoxing alone. Especially on alcohol. This is why I admitted myself to the detox wing that is dedicated to the people who qualify depending on what your addiction of choice is.
2.) While you are in detox, be looking for rehab centers that will accept your insurance or state insurance. The first thing you want to make sure that you DONT do, is to go right back home after being detoxed. (Reason being, because you're immediately going to use again) When I was released from detox, I went straight to an inpatient rehab facility for 32 days. Also Note: If you're truly not ready to change your life, don't waste your time and everyone's else's by going to rehab. You're not going to quit until you're ready.
3.) Start getting involved in church. If you're not a believer in Jesus, then you should seriously check out some churches that interest you to see how you like it. If you don't believe in Jesus, I can tell you the greatest stories about how God has truly saved my life!
4.) Reading is so soothing and healing. Get some books to read. I love to read mystery; thriller and I love reading spiritual books. Also, don't forget to read in your Bible daily. (Even if it's just a verse or two! That's giving time to God)
5.) PRAY - Not much else to say about this but pray about everything. Don't just ask for help, but people need to be thanking God for blessings. Pray for others too. Pray for yourself. Pray for your church and your pastor and the Country.
6.) Writing. Writing has been the biggest healing strategy in my new life. I actually wrote a book, and it's now published on Amazon. Talking about tragedies in my life has helped me to also grow stronger with my walk in Christ!
7.) Outdoor activities like swimming or gardening. I have a small garden where I'm growing tomatoes and jalapenos. My plants are doing amazing BTW. I also tinker with house plants. I have probably made about 10 houseplants all from 1 plant my husband bought for me about 7 years ago. His name is Phil and he's a father to many other plants LOL.
8.) Journaling can be very healing and confidential if you don't want anyone to know your business or not comfortable with sharing. There are so many cute diaries and journals you can purchase through Amazon.
9.) See a therapist! They have so many awesome apps now on your smartphone where you can actually do therapy visits through via phone video. This is actually something I've been wanting to do now for about 8 months and it's only $30 a visit with my husband's insurance! Can't wait to try this one.
10.) And most importantly, spend time with your family. Don't hide yourself away. I'm a hermit and can stay in my house for a week at a time without leaving. As long as I get to go to church and see my family. That's super important! Apologize also to people you've wronged in the past with your past addiction. That's a great part of the healing process!
11.) Start up a gym membership. My husband and I have been going to the gym now for about 3 weeks and it's great!
So, for now, those are 11 of the things that I do to help my mind to stay at ease.
I hope you all have a blessed evening and don't forget to watch for that Strawberry Full moon tonight!
xoxoxo, Michelle Neal