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While in recovery, there may be phases where you struggle to carry on. Lacking inspiration can be the very reason someone plateaus on a journey. In your time of need, there are many sources of inspiration to help keep you pushing forward. Some inspiration sources can be: other people's success stories, keeping a journal, connecting with other sober people, podcasts, and books. Learning new ideas for fostering inspiration may help you understand what works best for you and keep you pushing on your journey to recovery and healing.
Comeback Celebrities
Every so often, you hear about a celebrity falling from grace and living a seemingly reckless lifestyle. Unfortunately, people like Prince, Heath Ledger, Whitney Houston, and Mac Miller lost their substance use battle. Substance use can work like a game of Russian Roulette. People like Charlie Sheen, Drew Barrymore, Nicole Richie, and Elton John all have public stories of addiction. They are the survivors. The stories of the people who made it through their struggles can be very inspirational.
A unique addiction recovery success story comes from someone who literally plays a superhero. Robert Downey Jr. has been a very popular actor for years. This generation knows him as the witty, rich, and powerful Iron Man. What many people don’t know is that Downey had a very intense battle with drug addiction. At one point in his life, Robert Downey Jr struggled with cocaine and heroin and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. For five years, Downey struggled with substance use, arrests, and relapses until he eventually transformed his life. He came back in 2001 and has completely revamped his entire career. He has stated that yoga, martial arts, and 12-Step programs have played a significant role in his recovery.
Books on Recovery
There is a plethora of books out there that can help guide you on your path to recovery. Depending on who you are and how you like to receive information, a book is a perfect way to read about people you can relate to who struggled with addiction. Some books that talk about addiction include:
- Recovery: Freedom Of Our Addiction by Russel Brand - This book has a semi light-hearted and funny undertone if you want to read something helpful and laugh through the pain and struggles of recovery. Brand shares his vulnerable story about his fourteen years of recovery. This book is literally for everyone. Whether your addiction is drugs, alcohol, caffeine, or sugar, he also addresses stress, bad relationships, social media, and fame.
- Letting Go of the Thief: "A Ninety Day Journey Inside the Thoughts of an Alcoholic." by Pamela D. Pesta - This book is for those who are struggling with alcohol addiction. This book lets you into the mind of someone struggling with alcohol use. It talks about the shame and guilt that can accompany the journey of recovery. It is more intense than the fluffy light-heartedness of Russell Brand's book but just as entertaining.
Connect With Those Whom You Can Relate
Celebrities and books are excellent, but sometimes connecting with someone on a personal level is just as important. Joining groups and different programs will allow you to meet those who have the same struggle. In the process, you can meet someone who was once where you are now.
In cases beyond recovery, speaking with someone who is where you want to be in life can be inspiring. Connecting with others helps reduce negative thinking that may come with feeling alone or cynical self-talk. As humans, we need other human interaction. When people are in recovery and attend 12-Step programs or other support groups, they experience deep connections with others who have the same goals. This will enhance self-esteem after a long battle with addiction. When you engage in conversations with those people, they become your friends, and you both end up finding yourselves at the same time.
Check Out THE RECOVERY PLAYBOOK Podcast
START UP RECOVERY has a podcast called THE RECOVERY PLAYBOOK. The goal is to inspire people by having inspiring conversations. They have in-depth discussions with people from different industries about their life before and after recovery.
They have sat down with Susy Schieffelin, a Kundalini Yoga Teacher and Sobriety Coach. They discussed her story and how she has overcome addiction and anxiety. THE RECOVERY PLAYBOOK also sat down with Film director James Sweigert about his sobriety and his book If You Say So. This book dives into his life as a mentor for celebrities, rockstars, and movie executives.
Finding inspiration is essential beyond your journey in discovering yourself. Inspiration is what is needed at every level in life if your mission is to continue growing. Finding out what inspires you, whether it’s podcasts, books, or hearing some else’s story, is pivotal. Being inspired and motivated can help you fight against depression, anxiety, and other negative thinking patterns. Once you are inspired, the goal becomes to stay inspired. Life is ultimately about choices. We have to choose the right people and choose suitable environments to inspire us and prevent us from being triggered. If you are suffering from negative thinking patterns or substance use, you do not have to do it alone. There are friends, family, and professionals waiting to help you get back on your feet -- people who care about you and understand that it can be a lifelong battle. If you are struggling with substance use or negative thinking patterns, call START UP RECOVERY today at (310) 773-3809.