Self-esteem comes from within yourself. How you treat or think about yourself matters. A substance use disorder (SUD) can be a reason you lose confidence in who you are. Your decision to seek help should be why you rethink your image of yourself.
Self-Esteem and You
Not many will argue that how you feel about yourself carries over into your personal and professional lives. Unfortunately, you can form your opinion based on the societal definition of what success looks like.
People who value money, looks, power, or material objects see their success as something outside themselves. Unfortunately, if the market goes down or other outside influences affect their status, a person might lose sight of what makes them valuable.
Self-esteem shouldn’t be measured by your status or by others. In the Bible, 1 Peter 3:3-4 asks you to look within yourself and realize your inner being makes you unique. Galatians 6:4 also reminds you to do the work necessary to share with others your success, not someone else’s. Because even the most minor accomplishments are worth celebrating, it’s your first chip in a 12-Step meeting or finding help in a detoxification center. Whatever you did today that was an act of kindness is worthy of pride.
Self-Esteem as Daily Practice
You can practice self-esteem. Since self-esteem comes from within, acts of self-love or kindness are exercises in self-esteem. When you take the time to discover what brings you joy or your role in your family or community, you build a foundation. Find kindness within yourself so you can begin to heal.
Kindness is essential for your growth. Acts of service to others help you recognize your worth. There are times when you think you aren’t heard or helpful. Take a step back and make an inventory of your life. To paraphrase Hebrews 10:35, don’t minimize your worth, because you discard your confidence if you do. Before you tell yourself you can’t do something, ask yourself, “what if I can?” Challenge yourself to do the unthinkable, take the extra step, or find faith in your abilities. Incorporate a mantra reaffirming your worth or perform an act of kindness every day.
Moving Past Sin
Your past made you into the person you are today. Don’t forget that. Whatever you think your sins are, remember you’re forgiven. Everyone has something they regret doing or saying. Acknowledge the past and embrace your present.
Letting go of shame, embarrassment, or guilt takes time and love for yourself. Take heart in knowing that your commitment strengthens you when you hand control over to a higher being. You can do everything you set your mind to because of your belief. So, believe in yourself and your worthiness for a healthy life.
One more thought about sin. Your transgressions are what led you to treatment and recovery. What you perceive as flaws are what make you perfect. While you’re in an alumni or peer-support group, listen to how others won’t let their past define them.
Make Plans
Talk with your therapist or sponsor about making plans for the future. Moving forward in your life means you have set clear goals for yourself. If you haven’t already done so, create a list of what you like and don’t like about yourself. Ask yourself what you can work on and what is out of your control. Pick one thing you want to work on and set definable goals. For example, instead of saying “I’m not or I can’t,” flip your thoughts and say, “I am, and I can.” Everyone has the potential to grow and learn. Use what you learned in alcohol or drug treatment to move ahead. If you find you’re at a crossroads, ask your fellow alumni group members for help. They, like your substance addiction treatment center, are always there for you.
If you feel lost, even with the support and encouragement of your friends and loved ones, it’s okay to take a pause. Find peace within yourself and remember Jeremiah 29:11. Your higher power has plans for you, giving you hope and a future. Have faith in yourself.
Change Your View
Maybe instead of thinking of alcohol or drug addiction as a sin, you can think of it as a part of your life that challenged your mind, body, and soul. When you seek help for your substance addiction, you recognize you need guidance from others. Beginning treatment means you give control over to those who care for your well-being. Treatment is an opportunity to reconnect with your inner being and find solace in something bigger than yourself. Substance addiction treatment is a way for you to transform.
Inner Peace
The saying, “Peace be with you” is symbolic of your decision to begin treatment and remain committed to your sobriety by participating in a recovery group. There are several theories of what is meant by the saying. You can decide which one holds meaning for you, but one approach is believing it tells a person they can find peace instead of fear. Your alcohol or drug addiction hid you from your potential, but recovery offers you peace from addiction and fear.
Society tends to define success by external or material objects. The mistake is placing your value on outward appearances or goods. A person’s actual value comes from within. Your worth is measured by the love and kindness you give to yourself and others. The decisions and steps you take to improve yourself are foundational. Your willingness to hand over the things you can’t control to a higher power makes you perfect. If you’re not sure how to discover inner peace, you can contact Renaissance Ranch Treatment Centers. We believe everyone deserves a second chance. Our faith-based men’s only program allows you to build your self-esteem through our physical, mental, and spiritual services. You can learn how to replace harmful habits with healthy habits. Every step you take with us and in a peer or alumni group is a celebration of transformation. For any questions about our services, call (801) 308-8898.