One of the most challenging things that any of us do is find what works. When we start down the journey of recovery we must decide what is going to work for us. When I was an obese person I tried various diets and types of activity that could help promote healthy food choices for me. I ultimately decided on gastric bypass surgery. That procedure ultimately gave me a new start. It would also transform me physically which could allow me better control and helped me change my mental approach to food. It’s the same thing with any type of recovery. Regardless of where we are at in our personal life and whatever we are looking to overcome, we must find out what is going to work for us.
There are so many factors involved. Not only are the variables different with addiction or negative behavior, but are also associated with what triggers it. We must learn a positive response that we would want to apply that recovery solution to need to recover. Another big challenge may be a time commitment or financial obligation for the recovery treatment. One of the things that I have found is, based on the amount of pain I’m experiencing, resulting from my need to recover, will help motivate me to try everything possible to relieve myself of the debilitating condition I find myself in. I find it very helpful to research what others are doing to find success. Fortunately, there is likely a church base or 12 step-based program in your area that is usually not associated with insurance or the ability to pay. This is always a good place to start. Remember what works for one person might not work for another, but finding a group of people who share common ground can produce positive results.
Most all forms of recovery treatment are going to include follow-up group meetings and group support after the formal treatment has ended. Why not start there? It may turn out that you don’t need more help than joining that 12-step group or faith-based organization. Often this can provide you with everything that you need to start.
Sometimes, all anyone needs is a start. We don’t know until we try. If we are sincere in finding what works, we will ultimately find what works. If we are thoroughly convinced that we need help and overcome the fear of asking for help, we will find help. One of the things that I have found with others seeking recovery is that there is more common ground than there are individual differences. It is within that common ground that I can find a solution. I may need to be creative and repurpose what another person is doing. Most approaches to recovery are simply repackaged to fit something specific. Recovery or what works is not a one-size-fits-all, but it is close enough that once I put it on I can custom tailor it to perfectly address my need for recovery on a practical and personal level. Once we find that “tool” that works for us in one area we can then apply it to all aspects of our life that we need to recover in. It becomes our own personal universal tool to becoming well.
Finding what works for us in one area and cross-applying it will likely lead us to total wellness. I hope you have found what works for you and you share it with others. If you have not quite found it yet, please reach out to me and let me know how I can best assist you in “Finding What Works.”
Robert Pardon
Robert is the Recovery Guy. Getting clean and sober on April 25, 1986 has given me the insight and practical skill set to not only stay sober, but to also re-invent myself to the person I always wanted to become. Showing others how to do this is my life goal.
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