Everyone needs a sense of purpose if they are to feel fulfilled in life. In active addiction, we often struggled to grasp any sense of purpose or meaning, aside from the incessant and uncontrollable desire for intoxication. As we continue on the path of recovery, we go through a process of personal and spiritual development. Through this development, we begin to strengthen our understanding of who we are at the core of our being. Often, we discover a true and fulfilling sense of meaning and purpose in our loves. The sense of peace and serenity that we strive for in sobriety is easier to attain when we have a clear sense of purpose and direction. Dr. Steve Taylor, in a 2013 Psychology Today article entitled The Power of Purpose, explains, “having a strong sense of purpose can have a powerful positive effect. When you have a sense of purpose, you never get up in the morning wondering what you’re going to do with yourself. When you’re ‘in purpose’ – that is, engaged with and working towards your purpose – life becomes easier, less complicated and stressful. You become more mono-focused, like an arrow flying towards its target, and your mind feels somehow taut and strong, with less space for negativity to seep in.” Simply put, we feel better when we come to realize that our lives have purpose. With a sense of purpose come challenges. We are no longer listlessly going through the motions of life. We have a greater understanding of who we are and what we want out of life. Often, our sense of purpose and meaning will come as a surprise at some point along our own journey of recovery. Many men and women in recovery discover their sense of purpose in helping others. Laura S., in her book 12 Steps on Buddha’s Path, explains, “With the exception of people in a few professions such as law, teaching, and the arts, most of the people I know who have been sober five or ten years have changed professions from what they did while they were drinking and now earn their living in a helping profession.” Whether it be helping others, realizing long-term dreams, or meeting new challenges, a sense of purpose can help us traverse the journey of recovery with a sense of fulfillment and happiness.
Your story can become one of health and happiness in sobriety. You can make the decision to seek help now and begin building a fulfilling life on the journey of recovery. Oceanfront Recovery, located in beautiful Laguna Beach, is staffed with a passionate team of clinicians and health care providers to create the perfect environment for you or your loved one to begin the process of healing from addiction. For information about individualized treatment options, please call today: (877) 279-1777
