Clarity in Recovery
AFF Newsletter on Substack #18
Welcome to the AFF Newsletter on Substack.
I've been thinking a lot about the meaning of clarity again recently and how it pertains to my life in recovery.
Life in addiction recovery is full of ups and downs, much like 'normal' life, but without using alcohol as a means to cope it can be totally different than before.
But it’s getting sober that helps us achieve clarity on our situation. It also helps us open our eyes to the past and our future.
Now this is a subject I’ve written a lot about, having previously written the Birth of Clarity Newsletter.
For me, the clarity gained through recovery allows me to tackle any problems, issues or events without the need for substances or seeking a means of escape.
Gaining clarity in recovery has also helped me towards establishing a clear understanding of my values, beliefs, goals, and priorities.
(This is still a work in progress.)
Having clarity in our lives is important for several reasons:
It helps us make better decisions that are aligned with our values and goals. When we have clarity, we are able to filter out distractions and focus on what is most important to us, such as fatherhood. This helps us avoid wasting time and energy on things that are not meaningful or fulfilling.
Clarity helps us feel more confident and in control of our lives. When we know what we want and why we want it, we are less likely to be swayed by external pressures or influenced by other people's opinions. This can help us feel more self-assured and empowered.
Having clarity can help us cultivate stronger relationships with others. When we are able to communicate our needs and boundaries clearly, we are more likely to attract people who respect and support us. This can help us build more fulfilling and supportive relationships in our personal and professional lives.
I also equate the extra clarity that has come from my sobriety to gaining some more freedom in my life.
In my opinion, achieving mental clarity can really help you towards true freedom.
Once your mind is clear of the liquid poison, you can really focus on each aspect of your life without the shackles of addiction holding you hostage.
This means you are clearheaded and free to open your mind to all the possibilities that life has to offer.
It’s a 180 on how things used to be under the influence of alcohol. For me, sobriety has given me the clarity to operate without the restrictions booze bound me under.
To question things that maybe I wouldn’t have done before. To entertain different viewpoints on subjects that maybe I wouldn’t have done before. To experience new things that maybe I wouldn’t have done before. To have more courage in my convictions, something maybe I wouldn’t have done before.
I know that the clarity I’m feeling now will only become clearer the further into sobriety I get. I have over 5 years without alcohol under my belt now and I know in another 5 years I will be seeing things even clearer.
https://twitter.com/AFFirmSobriety/status/1667821046643171328?s=20
Clarity is just another blessing of sobriety.
Take care and have a great day,