When I first entered recovery, I felt as if I heard so many conflicting messages regarding therapy and the 12-steps. I was confused about when to assert boundaries, and when to let things slide under the idea that the Universe has a plan and to “let things fall as they must.” I continuously felt conflicted and pulled in two directions.
As I continued to engage in both 12-step recovery and therapy and developed a deeper understanding of both practices, I began to understand that instead of conflicting each other, they compliment each other. I learned that “one day at a time” can translate to “one moment at a time”, which was exactly what Mindfulness was. I learned through the Serenity Prayer, that I could not control other people and that the only thing I had control over was myself. These tools built a foundation where I learned how to face life successfully.
When I got sober, all I wanted was to quit drinking. My life had become messy and I was unable to exist in society. I believed removing alcohol would clear that all up. The reality was, the only coping skill I had development was picking up a drink, and had to develop those skills as well. The outcome of continuing to persevere through trial and error, is a life of freedom, contentment, and happiness.