Take Care of Yourself

Today was my last day in a treatment program for substance use.  I have never considered myself an addict with a problem but I made mistakes in my life due to drinking alcohol.  In April I was caught driving under the influence.  Believe me...it is NEVER worth it.  Wait for a cab or ask a sober friend to take you home.  While it was horrible (I'm 34 and it was my first and only arrest) and a position I would have never thought I would be in, it has been a huge blessing for me!  Due to my clean record I was eligible for a diversion program which will dismiss the charge after a year with some requirements.  Part of this was to participate in a 12 week treatment program.  When I first started, I wasn't sure what it was really going to do for me but here I am 12 weeks later and am the strongest I have ever been in my life.  I have always been afraid of confrontation for the fear of being alone so I let others lead and direct my life and actions even if they weren't really what I wanted to do.  This is not the right way to live life and here are the lessons I've learned:

1. It is better to be alone than with the wrong people whether friends or a romantic relationship.  Plus we are never really alone, God is always with us.
2. Stand up for yourself and the right people will respect that and stay in your life.  If they leave, they aren't good for you.
3. Take care of yourself.  Do something that makes you happy.  Exercise.  Attend church. Color. Read. Hike.  Whatever it is!
4. Clean out your life.  One of the hardest things I had to do was let go of a friend who had been there for me through several large emotional events in life but this doesn't make up for the ways I was treated in other situations and not being supported and respected for my decisions.

I could go on with more but they all revolve around the list above.  Just remember, there is only one of you in this life and there are people out there who love you for you, so take care of yourself -physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

"Fall in love with taking care of yourself. Mind. Body. Spirit. This is the beginning of self-care." ~Dena Patton