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    Letting Go of the Past and Embracing the Future

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    Posted in Recovery Tips and StrategiesVote Up0Vote Down
    When you’ve made the big decision to accept change in your life and overcome your addictions, you may not have realized everything that you are saying goodbye to. For some people, this can be one of the toughest parts about recovery and getting sober. If you want to embrace your new life, you have to say goodbye to the past. 

    However, it’s a lot easier said than done for most people. You may not have realized that you would have to sacrifice so much to embrace the future. You may have to give up many things that you hold dear to you. You might be giving up your favorite places to hang out, your once-favorite hobbies, and sometimes, most painful of all, your favorite people. 

    These people are people that you found comfort in, who you believe were there for you when others weren’t. You have favorite things to do together, and favorite places to go. Unfortunately, when you get sober, your companions may not be up for the new adventure with you. This is where the tough part of letting go of the past and embracing the future comes in. When you choose recovery, you have to let go of anything, everything, and everyone who stands to let your recovery fail. 

    It’s not easy saying goodbye to friends you once took solace in but it is necessary for your recovery and your new sober life. You may feel like you’re abandoning your friends but truthfully, you’re just waiting patiently for them on the other side of recovery. If they want to live a healthy life with you, you can be there for them. You just can’t let them keep you with one foot stuck in the past while you are working so hard on jumping with both feet into the future. 

    If you’re struggling to cope with recovery and fight urges and cravings, it’s best not to spend time with others who will be doing the very things you are fighting not to do anymore. Be open and honest not just with them but with yourself. Remember, let go of the past to embrace your future. Because recovery is your future. 

    Reference
    Pillow, L. “Say Goodbye to the Past, Hello to the Future”. The Cabin. (Website). 2004

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