I must start by saying that in no way shape or form am I criticizing any social media recovery group. I happen to own one myself. I firmly believe to sustain long term recovery that having communication and spending time with others who have the same goal is critical - whether it be in groups online, in person or in treatment. I respect and honor those who are spending their days trying to help others and in most cases working longer hours than the average person for little to no pay -- because it's their passion. I also believe that to sustain your sobriety that there are times it may be necessary for you to back away. Your mind is a very powerful thing, and what we are becoming more and more aware of is the fact that the more that negativity gets into your subconscious - the more you start thinking and living in a negative fashion. And on the obvious flip side, the more positive to you see, the more positive you think, feel, act and react.
"The World You Live In Is Determined By What Goes In Your Mind" - Dr. Joseph M. Murphy, Author of The Power Of Your Subconscious Mind
Whether or not you believe in Murphy's theology, and many other's alike, I think we can agree that what goes on in your mind is extremely important. If you choose what you put in front of it poorly, you'll eventually develop bad thoughts and attitudes which then lead to bad actions. If you choose well, you'll begin to see positive changes within yourself.
Here are a few things to think about to determine if you whether or not you need a social media "time out" or just some minor changes. By choosing the right input and not engaging flat out drama or negativity -- you will set yourself up for a more serene recovery.
Are The People In The Group Draining You Of Your Emotional Energy?
This is very critical to your progression in recovery. Every one of us has had a different journey in the past. We have our own unique present situation and none of us knows what the future will bring. There are thousands upon thousands of people who need help in recovery and you are one of them. There is no need for you to allow yourself to get sucked in, pulled in, thrown in to other peoples drama or negativity about their personal life's situations. This may sound harsh, but you have to set your boundaries so that you can continue progressing in your own new life. We all want to help, not one of us who have been shattered by addiction wants to see another person go through what we have been through alone - but if you are feeling drained, frustrated, angry, or resentful from the same people taking up your precious time and not willing to progress themselves, you might just want to let them go on without you for awhile. Let them learn to cope, show them that all that negativity is not going to help them advance in recovery and get back to taking care of you.
Are The Post, Images, Comments and Articles Inspiring You or Giving You Bad Thoughts?
This may seem like a silly question, but if you really think about it for a minute you will see the relevance. In the addiction world there is a lot of heartache, heartbreaks, pain and loss and everyone handles it differently and at different stages of their life. If you are further along than some, yet all the input you are allowing in front of you is angry quotes about addiction, sad comments about loss, misery over broken relationships, frustration over not being able to drink and quotes with images of alcohol or drugs all over them, then that is how you will eventually end up feeling; angry, sad, miserable, frustrating and possibly having thoughts about drinking. Do you finally feel a sense of relief when you see a positive and uplifting quote and then go look for more? I sure as hell do.
Are You Feeling A Sense That You Are Not Where You Should Be In Life?
This could be because of many things but what I am focusing on here is that you could possibly be spending too much time in these groups other than being out on your own living your life! I understand, we all need support, familiarity, companionship and we have gained a lot of friendships in which some have become more like family. But when you stop recognizing your surroundings, when you don't quite know where your purpose, passion or strength is anymore - it's time to put down the damn phone! Give your eyes a break, give your mind a break, get some well needed rest so you can do what you want and need to do. You had the courage to surrender, you have the strength to still carry on day by day, don't sell yourself short by getting stuck in your own recovery by not taking more leaps of faith in this huge world where the universe is waiting on your next move and ready to help you make it happen!
Please join me on Facebook! for inspirational post -- when and if you are ready of course!
My Personal Website www.soberlivingsoulfullliving.com
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Need help with substance abuse or mental health issues? In the U.S., call 800-662-HELP (4357) for the SAMHSA National Helpline.