Rebound!

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I like to play around with metaphors for my recovery journey. Sometimes it feels like a full-blown war, complete with losses, wounds and victories. But a party metaphor is solid too: In recovery, I'm having a great time with God, family, and my brotherhood - my squad! That is, until slip-ups happen. Those party crashers can bring despair and heavy consequences so I've got a playbook for dealing with them. It's not a silver bullet, but it packs a punch. It's my Sobriety Plan's bud - my Rebound Plan.

Good News
This plan includes good news and good advice and the good news stays front and center because discouragement is a slip-up’s partner in crime. So there I am after a slip-up, feeling like I've wandered down the block from my recovery bash. I’m out on the street. But I can hear the party still alive and kickin’ and I’m not banned - in fact I'm still on the VIP list! This stumble just adds an epic twist to my saga.

And even when the stumbles pile up and the consequences weigh me down, it's all good. Why? Because I'm not in charge here. That's my BFF (best father forever) - God, and guess what? He's out here on the street hanging right by my side, ready to head back together. And He's not solo: my squad is here for me as well. I’m like a son who’s taken a tumble while learning to toddle; Dad isn’t frowning, not now, not ever. I’m still worthy of His unconditional love, and with Him, I am enough.

Hope
The good advice is next up. First off, it's time for a heart-to-heart with the Big Guy: "God, I surrender all of this to You. Guide me back." And there's this spark of curiosity: how's He gonna work His magic? Now, I square my shoulders, lock eyes with my setback and my other storms, and declare, “I'm not who you say I am - I'm Ty! And my God is bigger than you all.”

Grace
Following that, I activate a personal boundary: no beating myself up. Shame isn’t on the guest list. Instead, I mentally step out of the situation and see it with compassion. Grace becomes my ticket back. I dive into inspiring things like praise music and 'The Inheritance' and throw my arms around my squad.

Light
Only darkness can kill the party so now I tackle the tough task of spilling the beans to those who matter. The lie stings worse than the stumble so I get right to this - it’s time to let the light in. Fear and haze often dominate here so If I need a pro's advice, I’m prepared to get it. I've got my empathy switch on high for the pain I've caused, and I'm all in to assist. And now my chains are loose if not gone and I'm pumped for the rest of my plan!

Growth
After that, I'm in full-on reflection mode: I ponder my slip-up and make notes. Then, I give myself a thumbs-up for growth.

Heart
Last but not least, I embrace the things that set my heart on fire – adventure, nature, music, or all of the above. Remember those epic movie comebacks? This is mine! I'm not just rebounding; I'm back to my recovery party with my BFF!

What's next?

  • Have some fun creating your own personal rebound plan if you don’t have one.

  • Party with a squad that includes the good-father-God. He's the life of the party!

  • For a turbo boost, extend a helping hand to one of your squad mates.

  • Keep pros on speed dial for those times your rebound plan doesn’t quite get you back to your recovery party.

By Ty, Writing Team