The Journey to Lasting Recovery

The Journey to Lasting Recovery
Recovery from drug addiction is a complex and multifaceted process. This journey is about self-discovery, healing, and creating a new way of life.
SH
by Shareen Hatcher
 
The 12 Steps: A Framework for Change
My name is Shareen Hatcher. I have had the privilege of standing on the mountain top looking down at everything around me as if the world was beneath me. It wasn't long before I was humbled in front of everyone I loved when the bottom came crashing down around me. I was there; in the dark; that nasty alley way filled with broken bottles and drug ridden abandoned cars with beautiful black women in those back seats with the life draining from their veins, wasting away with those rusty needles and rolled up dollar bills. Anything to remove the pain was their aim and I was right there. In the trenches, abused and molested, left behind and lost in my proudest possession- My soul. What happened to me years after I had almost destroyed everything beautiful in me couldn't be called a miracle. It was much deeper. The divine intervened and gave me strength where I was weak, gave me legs when I couldn't stand, gave me courage when I was afraid, and held me accountable when I kept making the same mistakes over and over again. My freedom is divine. 
"I want to help you on your journey, and I will be there every STEP of the way." S.H
Contact me personally for information or bookings at:
4everliveeducation@gmail.com
(551)-228-9630
The 12 Steps: A Framework for Change
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Step 1: Admitting Powerlessness
Acknowledging the lack of control over addiction and surrendering to a higher power.
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Step 2: Belief in a Higher Power
Accepting the existence of a power greater than oneself for guidance and support.
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Step 3: Making an Inventory of Ourselves
Examining our character flaws and their impact on our lives and relationships.
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Step 4: Taking a Moral Inventory
Confessing our wrongs to ourselves and others, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation.
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Step 5: Admitting Our Wrongs
Acknowledging the harm caused by our actions and seeking forgiveness from those we have wronged.
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Step 6: Readiness for Change
Becoming willing to have our character defects removed, seeking guidance and support from others.
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Step 7: Humility and Self-Reflection
Humbly asking a higher power to remove our shortcomings and seeking guidance in our lives.
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Step 8: Making a List of People We Have Harmed
Identifying those we have harmed and making amends where possible.
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Step 9: Making Direct Amends
Taking action to repair the damage caused by our actions, seeking reconciliation and forgiveness.
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Step 10: Personal Growth and Transformation
Continuing to examine our thoughts, behaviors, and motivations, seeking guidance and support.
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Step 11: Connecting with a Higher Power
Seeking a deeper connection with a higher power, seeking guidance and inspiration.
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Step 12: Sharing Our Message
Sharing our experience, strength, and hope with others who are struggling with addiction.
The Role of the Higher Self
Spiritual Guidance
The higher self is a source of wisdom and intuition that guides us towards a path of healing and self-discovery.
Inner Strength and Resilience
It provides us with the strength and resilience to overcome challenges and to persist in our recovery journey.
Connection to a Higher Power
It helps us to connect with a power greater than ourselves, finding solace, guidance, and support in our recovery.
Purpose and Meaning
It helps us to find purpose and meaning in our lives, inspiring us to live a life of service and contribution.
Balancing the Chakras
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Root Chakra
Groundedness, security, stability, and connection to the earth. This chakra is associated with the color red and is located at the base of the spine. When balanced, you feel safe, secure, and grounded in your body. An imbalance in this chakra can manifest as feelings of fear, anxiety, and insecurity.
2
Sacral Chakra
Creativity, pleasure, sensuality, and emotional expression. This chakra is associated with the color orange and is located in the lower abdomen. When balanced, you feel creative, joyful, and connected to your emotions. An imbalance in this chakra can manifest as feelings of guilt, shame, and difficulty expressing your emotions.
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Solar Plexus Chakra
Self-esteem, confidence, willpower, and personal power. This chakra is associated with the color yellow and is located in the upper abdomen. When balanced, you feel confident, powerful, and in control of your life. An imbalance in this chakra can manifest as feelings of low self-esteem, lack of motivation, and difficulty making decisions.
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Heart Chakra
Love, compassion, empathy, and forgiveness. This chakra is associated with the color green and is located in the center of the chest. When balanced, you feel love, compassion, and empathy for yourself and others. An imbalance in this chakra can manifest as feelings of sadness, loneliness, and difficulty giving or receiving love.
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Throat Chakra
Communication, self-expression, creativity, and truth. This chakra is associated with the color blue and is located in the throat. When balanced, you feel confident in expressing your thoughts and feelings. An imbalance in this chakra can manifest as feelings of shyness, difficulty speaking your truth, and lack of creativity.
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Third Eye Chakra
Intuition, insight, wisdom, and connection to the divine. This chakra is associated with the color indigo and is located in the center of the forehead. When balanced, you feel intuitive, insightful, and connected to your inner wisdom. An imbalance in this chakra can manifest as feelings of confusion, lack of clarity, and difficulty trusting your intuition.
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Crown Chakra
Spiritual enlightenment, oneness, and connection to the universe. This chakra is associated with the color violet and is located at the top of the head. When balanced, you feel connected to something greater than yourself, experiencing a sense of peace and purpose. An imbalance in this chakra can manifest as feelings of disconnection, isolation, and lack of meaning in life.
Integrating the 12 Steps and Spiritual Practices
Mindfulness
Practices like meditation and yoga help cultivate self-awareness and manage cravings. For example, in Step 1, recognizing our powerlessness over addiction, we can use mindfulness to observe our thoughts and emotions without judgment. Similarly, in Step 4, taking a moral inventory, mindfulness helps us to become aware of our patterns of behavior and identify areas where we need to change.
Spiritual Connection
Prayer, journaling, and spiritual readings deepen the connection to a higher power. This connection is vital in Step 2, coming to believe that a Power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity. It also plays a key role in Step 11, seeking through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
Service to Others
Helping others in need fosters gratitude, purpose, and a sense of belonging. Service to others is a core principle of the 12 Steps and aligns with the spiritual practice of compassion. Through acts of kindness, we can help ourselves and others move toward recovery. Step 12, carrying the message to others, provides a powerful opportunity for service. By sharing our experience, strength, and hope, we can help others find their path to lasting recovery.
Overcoming Challenges and Maintaining Progress
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Relapses and Setbacks
Relapses are a common part of the recovery journey. Instead of viewing them as failures, use them as opportunities to learn and grow. Remember, the 12 Steps emphasize forgiveness and self-compassion. You may need to repeat a step or two as you gain strength and wisdom.
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Support System
Surround yourself with people who care about you and want to see you succeed. This might include family, friends, recovery groups, and therapists. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Openly share your struggles with your support network and allow them to help you through difficult times. Trust those who love you and have your best interests at heart.
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Self-Care
Prioritize taking care of yourself both physically and mentally. Engage in healthy habits like exercise, mindfulness, and getting enough sleep. Small actions can make a big difference. For example, start by making your bed each morning, or taking time to wash your hands and clean your fingernails. These simple practices can help you feel more grounded and empowered. Remember, as you progress, you can gradually incorporate larger goals into your self-care routine.
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Positive Outlook
Focus on the progress you have made, even if it's just a small step. Remember the power of hope and optimism. The journey towards lasting recovery is a continuous process. Take it one day at a time and celebrate your victories along the way. Always remember that you are capable of achieving your goals.