The Plan

/

On my recovery journey, God and my Support Systems (recovery groups, family/friends, therapy) are the VIPs at the party. But there are other guests that deserve some spotlight. In this post, I'd like to spotlight my day-to-day sobriety plan. I'm no recovery guru, but what follows is a light-hearted summary of a plan that's been - in one form or another - my partner-in-crime during my somewhat successful recovery journey.

Surrender
The first thing planned for the day is to surrender it to the Big Guy upstairs. I verbalize my worries and excitements of the day, giving them and their outcomes a one-way ticket to God's inbox. Then, I get curious to see how God and I will show up for them.

Peace
It's vital to keep my serenity intact. The news and most social media are not invited to the party. Peace is my plus one while drama sulks at the velvet rope.

Planning & Celebration
Something to look forward to turns out to be one of the most effective tools in the box so I bust out the confetti cannons to celebrate the Larger Story, Adventure, and Beauty time rockin' my calendar. And at least once a week, I prioritize whipping up some new plans to keep the calendar fresh. Oh, and an honorable mention: taking a stroll down memory lane with some epic past events!

Awareness
Let's talk triggers and warning signs. I've developed personal definitions for both that I frequently review. Triggers are anything that sparks things like lust, anxiety, anger or tiredness. Warning signs are sirens that signal trouble like changes in my mood, rationalization and secrecy. Reviewing these definitions shines an often deadly spotlight on the drama queens in my head.

Emergency Plan
Finally, I have an emergency plan for when I've crossed the line into dangerous territory. When the party is dying, I dive into my food addiction for just enough self-medicating to regain some sanity (it's like the unexpected dance move that saves the day). And then, it's a whirlwind of reaching out to God and my support squad, getting some adventure (motorcycle riding for me), serving someone and soaking in some Beauty time.

While the main stage belongs to God and my Support Systems, my plan can be like a secret weapon. It's a partner that keeps me on my toes, ready for whatever curveballs life throws my way.

What's Next

  • Dust off your own plan if you have one. Some tools might be begging for a makeover.

  • If you're plan-less, prayerfully put on your thinking cap and design one that suits you.

  • Consider also developing a Rebound plan full of honesty, sanity and self-compassion.

  • Get out on the dance floor! If it's not fun, are we doing it right?

By Ty, Writing Team