Struggling today…

Emotional Support
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Hello!

I know I’m new to the community but I’m in need of motivation. I’m trying my best to stay away from a behavioral addiction - on day 2 now that I’m going through it, and it’s hard because I’m breaking several years of patterns that have led to a complete downward spiral.

Today, I’m struggling with mental health issues and the desire to relapse has been there, but I know where that road leads. I think making it to one week, which I will next Thursday, will be my big accomplishment. What motivates you to stay sober?

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So grateful that you reached out. Well done on day 2. The beginning is the toughest…just know that it does get easier.

A few suggestions to help during the difficult times…in no particular order

  • spend time reading and engaging here
  • go to a meeting in person or on line to be around those that relate and understand
  • take a nap
  • do something just for you…a massage, hot bath, cook a meal…etc
  • keep yourself busy with activities…I enjoyed games on phone or puzzles or knitting
  • stay active…work out, go for a walk or do yoga
  • meditation ( great thread here for that)
  • watch comedy or listen to uplifting music, podcasts

You are not alone! Keep fighting the urges. We got your back here :people_hugging:

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Glad you’re here! My motivation is remembering that dark-ass hole I was in and living happy and healthy today, staying in and for today, so I don’t go back to my old ways.

My kids, my sweetie and my work are secondary motivators but primary is me. Without that being #1, my BS brain will try to get the best of me.

We stay the course, we get to live free. And the more time we get away from it, the better we feel. Hugs friend!

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how are you doing? hope your day got easier :pray:

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So glad youre here! Something that helps me is i change my timer background to something new every day. It forces me to look at the timer and be proud of the number I see. But it also reminds me of why I’m doing this.

What ive also found helpful is structured journaling. Every day i make a chart in the morning that consists of 3 goals, 3 words of gratitude, 3 things i will do for self care, a mark on how i feel about my sobriety, and the following affirmations:
To be…
To feel…
To let go of…
To appreciate…
To attract…

And i personally write down a mantra for the day and note where the moon phase is at. Then at the end of the day i do a basic journal entry of my day. I do it in a different color every day and make it sort of creative. Its turned into a little form of meditation for me. Hope this helps :heart:

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Thank you guys so much for checking in and for all of your wonderful advice! I still struggle with the urges, but I made it another day sober :purple_heart:

I appreciate the empathy and support through this difficult time!

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Glad you pushed through the urges. They do get easier to handle as time goes on.
This is a wonderful place to lean on when you need support as we have been or are going through a similar journey :people_hugging:

Grateful to have you here with us :pray:

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Thank you! I hope that you are doing well today :purple_heart: Today is day four, and I’m proud of myself for making it this far! It’s starting to get a little easier, but I have the urges at least once a day still. One day, one step at a time.

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fantastic job on trudging through — Day 4 is amazing!! It is all baby steps in overcoming the urges.

this is a wonderful community with loads of support - lean in when you feel the urges getting strong. :hugs: :heart: