Sometimes the best thing we can do when faced with a stressful situation is take a moment to breathe and focus on the present moment. When we stay in the moment and accept the present situation as is, we are in less danger of building up feelings of anxiety about what may or may not happen. We take a moment to stop, breathe, and become aware of our surroundings. When we do this, we can successfully engage with life as it happens, rather than become overwhelmed by the breadth of possible future outcomes. Getting lost in future worry is easy. We think about what our present decision will lead to, what that situation will lead to, and ad infinitum, until we are lost in a reality that does not even exist. Instead of spiraling into anxiety about tomorrow, next week, or next year, we relax and take our lives one day at a time. This does not mean we ignore what may happen, however, rather we continue to make the next right decision as it comes and have faith that we will be able to handle whatever outcome occurs. Eckhart Tolle, in his book Stillness Speaks, explains, “To have your attention in the Now is not a denial of what is needed in your life. It is recognizing what is primary. Then you can deal with what is secondary with great ease. It is not saying, ‘I’m not dealing with things anymore because there is only the Now.’ No. Find what is primary first, and make the Now into your friend, not you enemy. Acknowledge it, honor it. When the Now is the foundation and primary focus of your life, then your life unfolds with ease.” Falling into worries about possible negative outcomes can easily lead us to be overtaken and immobilized by fear. If we are to progress in recovery, however, we must be rid of our fear and courageously engage in life in ways that we could not when we were in a state of active addiction. By focusing on the present, we feel our fear and anxiety leave us. We are able to move through life with ease, unconstrained by the negativity that arises out of our worries about the future.
Your story can become one of hope, faith, and courage in recovery. You can make the choice to seek help today and begin the journey toward happiness and joy in sobriety. Oceanfront Recovery, a treatment facility in beautiful Laguna Beach, is staffed with experienced and compassionate professionals dedicated to guiding you through the process of overcoming addiction and alcoholism. For more information about individualized treatment options, please call today: (877) 279-1777
