In recovery, one of the hardest truths is this:
We don't directly change how we feel.
We change what we do, and eventually our feelings catch up.
When I'm feeling anxious, sad, lonely, angry, restless, or overwhelmed, I ask:
What action would support recovery right now?
Maybe it's:
π Prayer
π Reading the Big Book
π Calling my sponsor
π€ Reaching out to another alcoholic
πΆπ»βοΈ Going for a walk
βοΈ Getting sunshine
ππ»βοΈ Exercise
β Going to a meeting
βπ» Writing inventory
π΅ Listening to uplifting music
π§ Drinking water and taking care of my body
β€οΈ Practicing gratitude
The disease tells us:
"Change how you feel first, then act."
Recovery teaches:
"Act first and let the feelings catch up later."
If I wait until I feel like praying, I may never pray.
If I wait until I feel like going to a meeting, I may never go.
If I wait until I feel motivated, I may stay stuck.
Feelings are real, but they are not always reliable.
The solution is not usually to change the feeling.
The solution is to ask:
"What is the next right thing?"
Then do that.
Many times I've gone to a meeting feeling awful and left feeling hopeful.
I've started a walk feeling depressed and ended feeling grateful.
I've picked up the phone feeling alone and hung up feeling connected.
Not because the feeling magically disappeared.
Because I took an action that allowed God, recovery, and connection to do what they do.
πΈ Feelings are visitors.
πΈ Actions are choices.
πΈ Recovery is built on action.
And sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is simply take the next right step and trust that our emotions will eventually catch up. ππΌβ€οΈβ¨
