You’re an author.
No, really. You are!
Every day you’re writing the story of your life. And it’s just like a book.
Think of it this way:
When you pick up a book, the only things you know for certain is that there is a beginning and an end. In between those two fixed points are chapters, and each chapter contributes to the book’s plot.
While no two books are exactly the same, there are usually similarities in structure, setting, or story.
It’s the same with people.
Each of our lives is unique but we are tied together by similar experience.
Suffering through an addiction is a surprisingly common chapter for people all over the world. If you are fortunate enough to claw your way out of addiction and find recovery, you will quickly discover that it’s not easy.
No one should have to walk this road alone.
As human beings, we share a deep physiological need to connect with others.
It’s no different in recovery; somewhere along the way, we learn the value of supportive relationships.
After we endure addiction alone, we can flourish in recovery together.
Recovering people tend to thrive in understanding and supportive environments. One of the building blocks of community is discovering commonalities between people, and sprouting relationships from those commonalities.
Sober communities are meant to encourage communication and deliver hope to recovering people. As part of a community, you will discover that the world is at your fingertips once again.
Building meaningful relationships with like-minded people is essential to recovery.
Why?
In short, sobriety is strengthened in community and those relationships you’re building will propel you toward your goal and catch you if you start slipping.
There are 3 vital characteristics of a healthy community:
Support
It’s hard to go it alone, but you don’t have to.
You may think you can do it all on your own, but you’re making things unnecessarily difficult for yourself. In good times and in crisis, knowing you have an external support network will give you confidence and lend you understanding when you need it.
Confidence
Confidence is tough but it’s key.
A lot of us spend our entire lives searching for self-confidence. If you have a support system that repeatedly builds you up by reinforcing your goals and believing in you, you’ll gain confidence over time. Confidence in your recovery and in yourself is truly priceless.
Honesty
There’s a reason that everybody knows the phrase “honesty is the best policy”.
There’s also a reason it’s the foundation of healthy relationships. Honesty will foster trust and keep you accountable throughout your journey.
Trust is monumentally important to recovery.
Think about it.
Who do you call when you need sobriety support? People you trust.
Big city or small town, it makes no difference.
Wherever you are, you can join or build your own community.
Seek people who have had struggles and triumphs similar to your own because the best place to gain quality support is from people who can relate to you.
If you’re not quite ready to find a physical community where you live, that’s okay! Technology has given us options!
Find or start a Facebook group, an interactive blog, or download an app that resonates with you.
The sober community is vibrant, vast, and inclusive!
If you’re feeling stuck or isolated, reach out and I guarantee you’ll find your own community.
About the Author
Shelby Hendrix is a blogger from the Northern Midwest with close personal ties to the addiction world. She focuses on the addiction landscape to reach out to those fighting alcoholism and compel them to seek an informed, healthy recovery.