I recently saw someone post the question: How do you distract yourself when you have a craving for alcohol? There were SO MANY answers: I hike, I take a nap, I workout, I binge eat, I call someone, I listen to music, I play with my kids, I clean, I cook…the list went on and on. The further I read, the sadder I got.
Why do we feel the need to distract ourselves? The truth is, we are replacing one addiction with another…even if that new addiction is simply avoidance.
How can we confront our inner demons and move forward? For me, I had to learn how to own it... Allowing the entire emotion, memory, or craving space in my head so that I could confront it. Meditate on the feeling. Relive the memory. Feel the craving. And then I had to put it back where it belongs - in my past. I tell myself this truth: In this moment, I am stronger than I ever have been, and I will continue to get stronger, so I will continue to move forward. I will not allow an emotion, memory, craving, or whatever take over my life or control me. Been there. Done that. And I am never going back! I am stronger than my inner demons. YOU are stronger than yours.
So, choose to confront rather than avoid. Don’t replace one vice with another. You are worth so much more, and I believe in you and your strength to keep moving forward.
If you need guidance, I recommend reaching out to a counselor or a coach - Someone who won't tell you "it's okay". Someone who will encourage you to do the work needed to move forward. Someone who will allow you to pave your own way. Someone who will help you achieve your goals. The investment is worth it because you are worth it.

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