Today, we are tackling a heavy topic. But don’t worry, we’re breaking things down in a few simple steps to avoid overwhelm.
The biggest lesson you can learn in your healing journey is this - it takes time.
It takes time to accept change, learn from it, and heal.
Beth Ann, our founder, and fearless leader started NOPE to help inspire the kind of change that heals people! We understand that forgiveness is an essential part of healing.
In this post, we’re sharing a bit of wisdom about taking the necessary steps to forgive yourself in recovery.
HOW DO WE WORK ON FORGIVENESS IN OURSELVES?
As we said earlier, these things take time. You’ll want to take small, consistent steps toward finding forgiveness. Writing yourself an apology letter is an excellent place to start.
Before others can forgive you, you have to forgive yourself! By writing an apology to yourself, you’re making amends.
In the letter, you can admit that you messed up. Write it all down.
When you’ve finished writing and reading the letter you can let those things go.
Pro tip: Read your letter out loud. Speak your truth into the world to allow yourself to move on. Know that those choices don’t define you.
1. INVEST IN TOOLS AND RESOURCES.
In any form of recovery, your resources are everything. Grab a book, speak to an expert, devote a journal to this quest.
At one point or another, we all have to forgive ourselves. This means a million and one people have written and documented their forgiveness journey, even Oprah! Take advantage of those who are sharing their story.
Investing in tools is a small step that can carry you far.
You might read a book and then pick it back up a year later only to find an entirely new meaning. Solid resources can last you a lifetime.
BE SPECIFIC WITH WHAT YOUR FORGIVENESS LOOKS LIKE.
Allow yourself to imagine what forgiveness would look like for you.
Would your days feel lighter? We would regain confidence?
Write down what your forgiveness looks like. Having a clear vision of what you’re working towards will help you get there.
LASTLY, STOP PLAYING THE TAPE.
You are allowed to stop replaying this event, or events, in your head. Playing the tape over and over will only reopen your wound further.
We give you permission to stop!
If you’re actively working on this, you will notice a difference. Try not to rush your feelings and let this process happen naturally.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Here are a few resources we recommend for self-forgiveness:
Journals:
Literature:
We make it our mission to support this community to the best of our ability! You know us as beverage experts, but we’re also mental health advocates.
Whatever change you’re making in life, we’ll be right by your side ready to celebrate with an ice-cold alt-tail!
This post was written by Nicole Nettell. Nicole is a sobriety advocate and the writer behind Everseeking Copy. To work with her, visit nicolewritesit.com.
