Reflection

This hit home for me this morning. As I have been reflecting on how much alcohol has hurt myself and others. I feel so much guilt right now. I know I can’t change the past and I am determined to make a better future. Feeling sad of things I have done .

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You’re forgetting the last part of letting go and letting God:

Forgiving yourself.

Hurt people hurt people.

This has become a diluted, banal tautology; yet, it is absolutely true.

So, find a place to forgive yourself.

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How are you doing, friend?

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I’m okay, weepy and feeling regretful still. It’s been hard for me the past few days. I haven’t till now really felt the gravity of my addiction and the choices I have made. It’s hard to find forgiveness for myself when I don’t feel worthy. I really appreciate you checking in on me. This made me tear up :heart: thank you so much. I am still sober - now on 8 days :confused:

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It’s heavy, and it can be frightening. But you are fucking brave for not sugarcoating it anymore. Facing it honestly takes so much courage. Even if you don’t feel strong right now, you can be proud of yourself for looking this truth in the eye.

Beating yourself up for the past won’t help. Shame often comes when we act in ways that don’t align with who we truly are. Addiction can make you behave like a version of yourself you don’t recognize or even like. But that isn’t the real you — it’s what addiction does.

You can’t change the past. None of us can. But you do have the power to protect yourself and not let addiction take control again.

Take it one step at a time. You’re already doing something incredibly important: you’re being honest. And that’s where real change begins. I believe in you. You can do this. :purple_heart::people_hugging::purple_heart::people_hugging:

Do you have any help with your sobriety journey outside this Forum? Like therapy?

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Thank you so much​:sparkles:It really has to be brutally honest & this brings me brutally honest truths and conversations. The encouragement really helps. There are so many aspects of life that I have to change and it’s overwhelming.

I did! My therapist took a step back from her practice. But I do have an appointment this week with another counselor that is addiction & trauma focused this week. It’ll be the first time seeing her, I feel like going to see a new therapist for the first time is like dating :joy: seeing if we are a good fit for each other. But in the bigger picture of things, it seems to be the right path. Therapy for me was shifting from relationships/trauma to addiction/ trauma.

I need to feel strong again and get clarity of my truth. I have been in sort of a dark passing place with the heavy feelings & realizations. I didn’t get the job I needed.. but I do see other opportunities opening or coming along. Letting go & letting life is not my nature & I am trying my damn best to hold myself together

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I am so proud of you, friend :purple_heart: You are facing a lot, so it’s absolutely okay and normal to feel overwhelmed from time to time. So glad you‘ll have therapy again. Fingers and toes are crossed that it’s a match.

I also was looking for a new job. It took me quite a while, but in the end, everything turned out good. I think a job is not what defines you or your worth. There will be other opportunities :four_leaf_clover::hugs:

I am sorry you have to deal with trauma. Healing needs time, dedication and help. Give yourself the time it needs, you are already going into the right direction.

I am sending you lots of love and healing vibes and I really believe in you. :people_hugging::people_hugging::people_hugging:

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Facing soooo much, it is hard to keep my head on straight!!! Thank you so much!! Really hoping it is a good match too, therapy is absolutely necessary in my life!

I am so happy to hear of your new job! I remember reading a post of an interview for it ! That is fantastic!!! :sparkles:

Thank you so so much. All of these words are so encouraging and remind me that I need to slow down! Thank you so much ~ I genuinely from the bottom of my heart appreciate you!

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I am happy I can lift you up a little bit :people_hugging:

You are stronger than you feel right now. Slowing down doesn’t mean you‘re weak - warriors need to rest, girl.

I need to slow down myself, too. There was and is a lot going on in my life. I am mostly happy and excited about it, some things I don’t like so much. But I think that’s just what life is. I need pauses and I need to slow down so I don’t get overwhelmed. See: You‘re definetly not alone in this :purple_heart:

When do you see your new therapist?

Keep it up, I‘m cheering for you and Sending warm hugs!

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Definitely feel that! It is unnatural for me to pause,I am always pushing and going. How do you pause and be still? I have no idea how. :heart: i am feeling less alone absolutely , thank you :sparkles:

I see the new therapist tomorrow! Finally! So excited :blush:

Sending you all the hugs & positive vibrations too my girl!!!

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You can start with mini pauses and practice breathing exercises that calm your nervous system down. I find it difficult to do „nothing“, too. Focussing on my breathing just for 5 minutes is manageable for me and it definetly slows me down.

I can recommend „Balance“, a meditation app that offers also short guided breathing or bodywork exercises. They’re offering a free trial to all new members: Claim your Free Guest Pass

Thanks for the love, very much appreciated :purple_heart:

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I don’t have much to say except that I know how you feel. I have a lot of guilt too. You’re not alone.

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It’s not the quantity of words that help, it’s the quality. Knowing others share our experiences is enough sometimes. Thanks for sharing and being a part of this community!

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Dang. Thanks man.

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Welcome Josh to the community! Good to have you on board!

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Thank you, Daniela.

Thank you so much!! I’ll try to implement these :sparkles: going to see new therapist today. Definitely need it - I almost had a drink yesterday during a lunch meeting, where we discussed a work conflict. Something happened the other day at work where I was yelled at & accused of things & now it is like, here let’s add another layer of stress . It’ll work out. I just have too much on my plate

Anytime!!!

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The guilt is awful, but now I am thinking, churn that guilt and shame into positive energy by keeping that feeling close as to why sobriety is the only route.:heart:

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I am so excited for You, I hope you like your new therapist :purple_heart:

One step at a time, one day at a time. We can do it, together.

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Hey girl, how are you doing?

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