A Waste of Time or a Wasted Life

2023-08-17

Ep #223 - I hear, "this is a waste of time," often when speaking to people who have been in and out of recovery centers, lapsed/relapsed, and are trying new things to better their life in addiction recovery. Something being "a waste of time" is subjective to your perspective. Circumstances happening in your life can equally be experienced as awesome, monumental, and life-changing if you choose that perspective instead. The tiniest little thing can be a sign that your life is heading in a more desirable direction. Noticing an albino squirrel, the butterfly on the flower, not yelling at the car driving...

The tiniest little thing can be a sign that your life is heading in a more desirable direction. Noticing an albino squirrel, the butterfly on the flower, not yelling at the car driving erratically, speaking calmly to a loved one where yelling used to occur. The examples are endless. The monotonous and mundane events in life they we choose to behave differently in - that is the power of self-awareness and recovery.

In this week's episode I will cover:

Introduction: The Time Paradox in Recovery
- Understanding the nuanced relationship between time, sobriety, and recovery.
Personal reflections: Moments of "Wasted Time"
- I dive into periods I felt I "wasted" time on my recovery journey.
Highlight: Sobriety vs. Recovery
- Defining the difference: Sobriety as the act of abstaining and recovery as the process of healing and personal growth.
The Mindset of "Wasting Time"
- Societal pressures: Navigating the cultural drive of toxic productivity.
- The trap of feeling stagnant in one’s recovery journey.
- Risks of this mindset: The setbacks and potential relapses.
The Empowerment of Experiencing Lessons
- A paradigm shift: Seeing every moment as a learning opportunity.
- Stories of wisdom derived from everyday situations.
- The role of mindfulness and being present in recovery.
Addiction's Double-Edged Sword: Wasted Life vs. Wisdom Gained
- Drawing connections between addiction’s blur and the haze of wasted life.
- Understanding recovery: Beyond sobriety and towards reshaping mindset.
- Seeking wisdom in each step and experience.
The Active Pursuit of Empowerment
- Active vs. Passive: The importance of doing rather than overthinking.
- Breaking the cycle of over-analysis by taking concrete steps in recovery.
- A reminder to celebrate every win, no matter how small.
The Illusion of "Having Time" During Addiction
- Contemplating the time lost in the grip of addiction.
- The distortion of time through addiction: Blurring days and shifting priorities.
- Personal stories of how I used to waste time during addiction and the reality of my misconceptions.
"No Time" for Recovery:
- Debating the common excuse of lacking time for recovery essentials like therapy or meetings.
- Changing the narrative: If there’s time for addiction, there’s time for recovery.
- Practical insights: Transitioning time from unhealthy habits to beneficial routines.
Overcoming Time Excuses: Steps to Embracing Recovery
- Digging deeper: Understanding the real reasons behind the "time" excuse.
- Viewing recovery as a vital commitment, not just a sideline activity.
Conclusion & Call to Action
- An encouraging note: Rethink your concept of "wasted time."
- An open invitation: Ponder upon instances when seemingly wasted moments became profound life lessons.

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Hit play and dive in with open minds and hearts. You're exactly where you need to be, right now. It's time to shine. Step into the SUN. Stand tall, step forward—it's your turn to heed the call!

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