The Four Agreements and Recovery: How to Find Peace and Sobriety
If you`re in recovery from addiction, you know that it`s not just about abstaining from drugs and alcohol. It`s about finding a new way of living, a way that allows you to be at peace with yourself and others. One helpful tool for achieving this is the book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. In this article, we`ll explore how The Four Agreements can be applied to recovery.
The Four Agreements are simple but powerful tools for personal transformation. They are:
1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Don`t take anything personally.
3. Don`t make assumptions.
4. Always do your best.
Let`s take a closer look at each of these agreements and how they relate to addiction recovery.
1. Be impeccable with your word.
In recovery, we strive to be honest and transparent with ourselves and others. This means being honest about our past mistakes and our present struggles. It also means speaking up when we need help or support. Being impeccable with our word means that we speak truthfully and respectfully, even when it`s difficult.
2. Don`t take anything personally.
In early recovery, we may be hypersensitive to criticism or rejection. We may take every negative comment or action as a personal attack. It`s important to remember that other people`s opinions and actions are not necessarily a reflection of us. Don`t take things personally, and don`t let them derail your recovery.
3. Don`t make assumptions.
One of the biggest obstacles to recovery is our own assumptions about ourselves and the world around us. We may assume that we`re not worthy of love or success, or that others will never understand what we`re going through. These assumptions can hold us back from reaching our full potential. Don`t make assumptions about yourself or others. Instead, focus on what you know to be true in the present moment.
4. Always do your best.
In recovery, we may feel overwhelmed or discouraged at times. We may feel like we`re not making progress or that we`re not doing enough. It`s important to remember that recovery is a process, not a destination. Doing your best means committing to the journey, even when it`s difficult. It means giving yourself credit for the progress you`ve made, no matter how small.
In conclusion, The Four Agreements can be powerful tools for achieving peace and sobriety in addiction recovery. By being impeccable with our word, not taking things personally, avoiding assumptions, and doing our best, we can live a fulfilling and meaningful life in recovery.
