Creating a meaningful life is something that most people in recovery strive for. With a second chance at life, they want to build something that is fulfilling and worthwhile. Knowing how to build this type of life isn’t always easy, though. There is no easy explanation for what is considered “meaningful,” and what’s important to one person may not be important to the next.
However, one thing we do find is that people who are content in their life usually don’t question their purpose. So if you’re questioning your weight, chances are, you have some work to do. But at the end of the day, only you can decide what makes your life meaningful.
Below are five ways you can create meaning in your life following drug rehab. These are all things we talk about in individual and group therapy as we set our clients up for long-term success!
1. Embrace the Good with the Bad
Part of having a meaningful life is taking the good with the bad. Most of us strive to be happy, but the “happiness approach” isn’t foolproof. (Check out our blog post on toxic positivity.) Suffering is a part of life and there will be times when you don’t feel happy. But that doesn’t mean your life isn’t good or meaningful. When you do face hard times, take a lesson from your suffering. What has it contributed to your life? What have you learned?
2. Come to Terms with Reality
This is not an easy thing to do. It’s especially challenging when you’re coming out of the chaos of addiction and have to face the traumas that may have come from your substance abuse. But in order to find meaning, you must come to terms with reality and work on the things that are not bringing you happiness.
3. Build Healthy Connections
Just about everyone finds meaning in having authentic connections with others. Foster healthy relationships that make you feel good about yourself. Get rid of unhealthy relationships that drain your energy. Rather than focusing on building deep connections at first, create a diverse group of friends that offer you support in various areas.
4. Follow Your Gifts and Talents
As people work through recovery, they learn about themselves and their greater purpose in the world. Through this, you can discover your natural gifts and talents and how to use them to help others. Helping makes you feel worthy and gives your life a sense of meaning. A few questions to ask yourself are:
- What comes naturally to you?
- When do you feel your best?
- How do you like to help other people?
- What experiences make you feel whole?
5. Practice Meditation
Meditation can help you find your life purpose, especially when you think about others. Loving-kindness meditation is a 20-minute exercise that begins with focusing on your breath and wishing yourself to be happy and free. Then you imagine talking to others and giving them the ticket to freedom and happiness as well – even those that get under your skin.
Start Your Path to Healing
Finding meaning in your life is good for anyone, but it’s especially helpful for those working through addiction recovery. This is a time in your life when you’re getting to know and love yourself, find your greater purpose and heal from past traumas. Giving yourself reasons to wake up in the mornings, be happy, and serve others will keep you grounded in your recovery.
To start your journey while also building a purposeful life, contact Awakenings Treatment Center today. Our holistic outpatient mental health facilities treat people with substance abuse and mental health disorders.
