If you’ve never heard of the “Law of Attraction,” or you’ve heard it mentioned somewhere, but you’re lost for a definition of what it actually is, here you go:
The Law of Attraction is regarded as the ability to attract into your life whatever you’re focusing on. It requires an open mind and no shortage of positive thought, but, for many people, it works. It can even work for recovering drug addicts and alcoholics.
As weird or as crazy as that sounds, and please understand that it is regarded as a pseudoscience, it’s a popular practice throughout the world, and it’s had many faithful followers throughout history, such as William Shakespeare, Sir Issac Newton (yes, the Law of Gravity man) and Beethoven. Famous, and rather more modern, advocates of the law now include Oprah Winfrey, Jim Carrey, and Denzel Washington.
So, there we are. The ability to attract into your life whatever you’re focusing on… which, of course, can be anything – money, fame, love, and, yes, even recovery from substance addiction.
However, as simple as all this sounds, there’s a concept you need to first acknowledge, agree with, and then totally accept as truth. It is a “law” after all. Unsurprisingly, this can present a rather sizable stumbling block to some people. To fully understand and accept the Law of Attraction, you must first come to the realization that every single one of the decisions in your life, either good and bad, have been shaped by you alone. You. Alone.
You are 100% responsible. For everything. Can you see the great, big stumbling block there?
This can be such a huge and exceptionally bitter pill for some to swallow, and they simply refuse to accept it – let alone entertain the possibility that this may well be the truth. For many people who feel that life has dealt them far too many blows, and they’ve never had the breaks others have seemingly had, it can sound 100% weird and crazy. Obviously, for some of the many recovering addicts out there, it’ll sound equally weird, equally crazy.
However, for those who have become advocates of the Law of Attraction, they’ve done so for a couple of important reasons. Firstly, they have accepted they alone are responsible for themselves, their decisions, their actions, and their future. Secondly, they have focused on what they want, and it has come to them.
For these people, they have found a sense of freedom from their acceptance of the Law. They are free to take charge of their lives. Furthermore, they have been infused with both courage and hope for their futures, and they enjoy less anxiety and stress.
Now, wouldn’t that be a wonderful place to find yourself in if you are battling with your recovery from substance addiction?
The Law of Attraction, Karma & Addiction Recovery
We’ve all heard the word “karma,” a westernization of the Buddhist belief that “what you have become is what you have thought.” This belief is deeply intrinsic in the Law of Attraction. Over the centuries, the idea that what you give out to the world (anger or happiness, hate or love) is what returns to you in the end.
Now, let’s look at this through the eyes of a newly-sober, recovering addict.
If you focus on positive thoughts, coupled with the long-term objective of staying abstinent from substances, your chance of recovery improves. However, focus on the proverbial “doom and gloom,” with no clear goal, no overall aim, and no plan of action, your chances of even getting close to a sustainable recovery are extremely remote – to say the least.
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”
– “Serenity Prayer,” spoken at the end of 12-Step meetings
If you’re a recovery addict, it’s time to put the following guidance into effect:
1. Your Mental And Physical Health
We often neglect ourselves. We don’t exercise as much as we should, and we’ll sometimes grab a quick take-away, as opposed to taking the time to prepare a much healthier, nutritious meal. We’re just trying to survive our everyday lives. Not really an excuse though, is it?
However, believe in the Law of Attraction, and you’ll see that neglecting yourself does you no favors, exercising is vital in your recovery journey, and healthy food equals a healthy mind and better mental wellbeing. Therefore, a healthy diet, exercise and regular checkups with your doctor can be seen as a necessary part of your journey and overall self-care.
2. Your Self-Confidence & Self-Esteem
The Law Of Attraction focuses on the concept of having complete faith in the universe. If you focus on the positivity in your life, and view every day as a way of building on that positivity, your levels of self-confidence and self-esteem will increase naturally.
As a recovering addict myself, with too many years lived lost to cocaine abuse and alcoholism, yet personally saved by an excellent drug rehab, I can firmly testify to this. Newly-sober addicts often believe that they are not worthy of recovery – their self-esteem is that low. The Law of Attraction can provide the limitless positivity they need.
3. The Law of Attraction in the Daily Life of a Recovering Addict
To encourage positivity in your own life of recovery, you can begin attracting the “good” your way by following this guidance for everyday living:
- Focus on one positive thought for the entire day
- Set daily goals for yourself, and reach them
- Try to view yourself in a positive way (remember, we are all human, and we all make mistakes)
- Use visualization to imagine a new, confident and long-term sober you
- Be with other positive people
- Understand that your future, your happiness and your recovery is entirely up to you
- Understand that, while positive thinking is important, taking action is equally important – attend support meetings, go to one-to-one counseling, read books, and learn about successful recovery from addiction
Remember, focusing on an optimistic and positive attitude is vital in recovery, but it means nothing without taking the necessary action to maintain that recovery. With best wishes for your future – it’s in your hands, if you want it to be.