Daily Affirmations for Recovery

While peering into the abyss of addiction, one thing remains clear: self-worth becomes an evasive specter. A distorted mirror reflects our own self-loathing, a cruel orchestra of negative thoughts. The journey through addiction, as I’ve experienced, is accompanied by a relentless inner monologue that erodes our self-esteem. In the midst of battling addiction, my own thoughts became my harshest adversary. 

The Mirror of Deception:

Addiction doesn’t just shackle the body; it enslaves the mind. Throughout those dark days, the mirror was a canvas of disdain, a breeding ground for self-deprecation. No matter how thin I became, the voice within relentlessly accused me of being inadequate. I defined myself by my flaws and my weaknesses, allowing myself to be consumed by self-inflicted judgments. The face staring back at me became a canvas for cruel criticism.

The Quest for Self-Love

I’d pour my pain into the mirror, hurling words I wouldn’t dare utter to anyone else. “Worthless,” “Ugly,” and “Inferior” were labels I tattooed on my own soul. A paradox emerged; the world demanded emotional intelligence in relationships, yet I failed to practice compassion inward. While we’re aware of communication’s power in shaping connections, we tend to underestimate its impact on the dialogue within ourselves.

A Sanctuary in the Storm:

In 2004, I embarked on a journey to Shades of Hope Treatment Center, nestled in Buffalo Gap, Texas. This refuge didn’t just offer recovery from addiction; it presented a holistic haven for healing. It wasn’t just about suppressing symptoms; it was about embracing emotional well-being. The warm embrace of holistic care echoed beyond mere medications.

Voice of Courage:

Within these walls, vulnerability was demanded, not feared. The initiation ritual was simple yet profound: state your name, origin, occupation, and addiction. Standing there, I felt the weight of my confession. The words felt alien, dissonant with the life I’d once known. As the truth unfurled from my lips, a reality I’d been avoiding unraveled before me.

Struggles Unveiled:

I carried another hidden truth: my battle with Type I Diabetes. The stigma that often clings to diabetes felt like an additional burden. I’d seen how society labeled diabetics as “bad” and sought to dissociate myself from this unfair judgment. But Shades of Hope taught me an invaluable lesson – I didn’t owe anyone explanations for my struggles.

Relearning Nourishment:

Meals at Shades of Hope became a communal experience – a cornerstone of relearning nourishment. The shared table was a sanctuary of acceptance. Here, I was reacquainted with the act of eating, a simple yet monumental feat. However, the most transformative aspect was the affirmation that preceded each meal, a chance to vocalize self-love.

Whispers of Self-Affirmation:

Affirmations emerged from the shadows of self-critique. They were the seeds of a new narrative I was crafting for myself. In those fragile moments, I discovered that affirmations were a lifeline, a balm for wounds inflicted by years of self-deprecation. I started small, claiming my role as a good mother, shedding the heavy chains of “despite my addiction.”

A Journey Towards Self-Compassion:

As my journey at Shades of Hope drew to a close, a transformation stirred within me. The affirmations, once met with skepticism, now resonated deeply. I began to believe in the truths they held. It was a journey from self-condemnation to self-compassion, from shadows to light. And here are some of the affirmations that have become my guiding stars:

• I Am Good Enough.
• I Deserve To Eat.
• Eating Makes Me Strong, Not Weak.
• You Are Worthy Of Feeling Healthy.
• You Have Made Mistakes, But That Does Not Mean You Are A Mistake.
• Food Is Fuel, Not An Enemy.
• You Look Happy When You Are Healthy.
• Being An Addict Does Not Mean I Am A Terrible Person. It Means I Have A Problem I Need To Work Through.
• My Diabetes Will Not Define Who I Am.
• God Made You, And He Does Not Make Mistakes.

  I suppose I could go on and even find some that would fit any addiction, but I want to challenge you, the reader, to discover your own affirmations that resonate with you. You don’t even have to be grappling with addiction to speak kindly to yourself. I used to believe that uttering positive things about myself would come across as bragging or unwarranted self-importance. The exact opposite is true. Nurturing mental well-being entails recognizing the positives within yourself and cultivating the practice of affirming your inherent worth.

  Cultivating Positivity Within:

  Recently, my daughter confided that she wished she looked different. She discussed her desire for certain aspects of her body to be shaped differently. I intervened, advising her that when she gazes in the mirror, she should employ affirmative statements rather than negative ones. I clarified that it should exude positivity if she intends to convince herself of something. After all, we tend to believe the narratives we tell ourselves—so why not fill our self-dialogue with positivity and strive to believe in that? Teaching oneself to love is just as feasible as cultivating self-doubt. Expressing positivity demands no more effort than expressing negativity. You might be astonished at how affirmations can substantially benefit your personal journey toward improved mental health.