Taking steps to recover from substance use disorder (SUD) empowers you to make healthy changes in your life. Becoming sober is a powerful choice and an important form of self-care. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “When you take care of your mental health, your physical and emotional health improves; you become more resilient; and it makes it easier to find ways to manage life stressors in a healthy and positive way.” Yahlight encourages people to find healthy ways to move forward in recovery. Becoming empowered through self-acceptance allows you to focus on self-care, personal growth and an authentic life.
How Does Becoming Empowered Set You Free?
Becoming empowered, developing an inner power, can set you free by helping you accept and manage overwhelming thoughts or feelings, including shame, guilt, regret, or fear. Feeling powerless over your inner turmoil can result in being stuck and unable to move forward. Freedom comes from knowing you are capable of handing anything that your inner or outer worlds hands you, without the use of substances. As difficult as it is, focusing on the present moment, your values, and the truth of your situation is empowering. Being able to explore your past and plan for the future also provides a sense of hope and power. Turing to the comforting light of God can reduce the stress of reality and make it easier, more graceful, to continue making necessary lifestyle changes. Empower yourself by taking the time to heal your body, soul and spirit from the effects of substance abuse.
Empowering yourself does the following:
- Improves resilience
- Strengthens spiritual bonds
- Combats internalized stigmas
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Increases self-confidence and self-efficacy
Treatment programs and recovery support services provide you with the skills and tools you need to improve your life and build healthier routines. However, your spiritual health is equally important. You can strengthen your spirit and body by meditating, spending time in prayer each day, and focusing on your values and recovery goals.
Choosing Sobriety Every Day
Treatment is not a “cure” for substance use. Your sobriety is reflected in the choices you make every day. How you choose to explore your healing and recovery impacts your mental, emotional and physical health. By prioritizing self-care and empowering yourself, you reduce the risk of relapse and increase the effectiveness of treatment. Every day is an opportunity to grow, heal, and become more fulfilled.
Becoming Empowered Gives Life New Meaning
Empowerment reduces negativity and gives you the strength to establish and achieve recovery goals. You can find new meaning and purpose by listening to the healthy desires of your heart. Christ-centered meditation provides a nonjudgmental space for self-empowerment. Philippians 4:13 (ESV) states, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Empowerment means an increase in inner power and strength.
Increasing self-empowerment through meditation and prayer allows you to do the following:
- Discover new, meaningful, and fulfilling goals
- Create the foundation for personal growth
- Establish healthy limits and personal boundaries
- Increase self-reliance and autonomy
- Make lifestyle choices that align with your values and beliefs
- Overcome obstacles in recovery
- Increase self-worth
Quiet contemplation and self-reflection can give you the insights you need to set positive goals and empower yourself. Listening to your heart’s desires and God’s wisdom can help you find healthy ways to heal and move forward in your recovery.
Embracing Change and Building the Foundation for Sobriety
Sobriety is a daily choice. Building a solid foundation for a sober future makes that choice easier and helps you avoid relapse. Embracing versus resisting change during treatment and long-term recovery can help you establish healthy routines and behaviors. According to the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, “Observational research indicates that individuals in good health engage in highly routine health behaviors.” Healthy routines and habits, including Christ-centered meditation and prayer, lower stress and improve emotional regulation.
Preparing yourself for long-term sobriety means embracing change and actively participating in the recovery process. Everyone is on a path to recovery. The process includes recovering lost parts of yourself, including innocence, peace and happiness. Choosing sobriety provides you with an opportunity to work on the relationship you have with yourself, others, and God. Yahlight helps people build healthier routines and behaviors through the power and love of Christ. This power is in your heart, it is an inner power.
Becoming Empowered Through Meditation and Prayer
Many people struggle to overcome challenges in recovery because they fail to listen to the voice inside of them guiding them toward the light. You have a light inside of your spirit. Spending time each day becoming friends with your spirit and soul can help you feel more confident in managing sobriety.
Empower yourself by doing the following:
- Meditation
- Prayer
- Self-reflection
Overcoming challenges in early recovery is easier when you have the support and guidance of a higher power. Meditation and other forms of mindfulness can help you remain present and focused on maintaining positive thought patterns, emotions and behaviors. Yahlight can guide you through creating a deeper connection with your internal experience. Meditation reduces stress and supports sobriety.
How Does Yahlight Empower People in Recovery?
Yahlight empowers people by showing them how to gain insights through self-reflection and personal growth. You can use Yahlight’s services to improve your physical, psychological and spiritual health and build a more fulfilling life. Recovering from substance abuse is easier when you have the support of a higher power and a deeper connection with yourself. The principles and holistic techniques Yahlight teaches can help you develop a closer relationship with God, as you understand, and your soul.
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Tonyah Dee has studied the Bible and wisdom traditions of the world for the last 30 years and teaches about finding ways to increase inner strength, stability, and confidence through practicing spiritual disciplines and healthy habits daily. Tonyah is a nutritionist, registered dietitian (R.D.), and earned her B.S. from Loma Linda University. She also holds certifications in Christ-centered life coaching, equine therapy, and meditation. Tonyah has been published in Scary Mommy, MSN, The Mighty, Mantra Wellness, CoveyClub, Thrive Global. Follow Tonyah on her blog, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Medium.