So, to start: our first key concept to recovery is Personal Responsibility.
Let’s begin by defining what it is we mean by personal responsibility in the context of wellness and recovery. As we discussed last week, this key concept is not about self-care, though that is what might first come to mind. Instead, this concept is far more about awareness and mindfulness. Yes, personal responsibility does entail being gentle and kind with yourself, but it in turn also requires you to hold yourself accountable. Best explained and founded by the following three mantras:
(1) You are your own expert on yourself!
(2) You know what you want/need
(3) It is your responsibility to take action of your wellness, recovery, and life.
Deciding to not blame others, or your outside circumstances for the challenges in your life. Now, it is important to remember that this does not mean you do not take into account difficult circumstances that are in your life, or that you ignore the grave impact they may have on you. In fact it is the opposite of this. Choosing to not blame others or your outside circumstances in this case means that you acknowledge them and their impact, but then funnel your energy into the present and focusing on your next steps to recovery.
It is also important to choose and promote your own recovery and wellness--doing everything in your power to turn over every rock in your life. This includes: accepting where you are at, letting go of any disappointments that may come in that process, and not exerting energy and time blaming yourself.
You need support from others as you take personal responsibility for your own wellness and your own life.
In practice, it is helpful to phrase this concept into if-statements like: "If I get this job I will be happy" or "If I date this person, I will be happy...". Statements like this, and mechanisms of thinking like this are what we can call here: moving targets. Your wellness, your recovery, and your happiness cannot be placed on a moving target. You will always be jumping onto the next thing, and the next, and the next.
Personal responsibility then, in practice, is meeting yourself where you are at, recognizing your place, acknowledging what you need, and committing to that change.
Those who take this personal responsibility achieve the highest levels of:
Wellness- Happiness- Life Satisfaction
The concept and its ideas above are the rights of Mary Ellen Copeland, and more is to be found at www.mentalhealthrecovery.com.This is simply our take on the matter!
