When your life is defined by the alcohol you drink or chasing down the next pill or any other means of fighting off the emotional tsunami that’s always just barely kept at bay, you might think that the secret to a fulfilling life is not for you. You may have already given up hope. You may feel that your life can’t be any sort of meaningful, as you’re trapped in the cycle of endlessly searching for your next high. But if you’re reading this, there is hope. Because you’ve listened to the small voice inside you that knows there’s more to life than the current existence you’ve carved out for yourself.
In this blog, we’ll share the secret to a more fulfilling life, and, surprise, it’s likely something you already know. This secret is two-fold. It requires you to embrace the ideas of reflection and growth. Are you ready for it?
What is the secret to a more fulfilling life?
While there are many philosophical answers to this question, religious doctrines and a whole host of online articles sharing how you might find happiness and fulfillment in your life, for us, it boils down to one thing: “In every situation, act in ways that you can be proud of.”
“In every situation, act in ways that you can be proud of.”
While “pride” may be considered one of the seven deadly sins, in this case, feeling proud of the way you acted is in direct opposition to what those in active addiction normally feel—shame. You can be proud of the way you spend your time and your money. Be proud of the way that you show up for your friends and family. You can be the type of employee who is dependable, and you can be the type of parent your kids want to have around.
What Does It Mean to “Act in Ways That You Can Be Proud of?”
We love this mantra because there’s so much more to it than what you might see at first glance. As mentioned above, carrying out this way of being in the world requires reflection—first on who you want to be, and second on the ways that you’ve behaved in the past. The difference between those two markers has the ability to inspire shame or pride in who we are and how we operate in the world. It also highlights where growth is needed and gives us an assessment of how far we have yet to go.
This mantra also leaves room for progress. While we may not be at the end goal, we can still celebrate each step taken in closer realization of becoming the person we want to be. So much of the recovery process is about moving forward, one step at a time. And this mantra respects that we are always a work in progress. So long as we hold onto the hope that a better life is out there for us, we can build a sense of pride in taking steps to get there and let that lead the way.
Don’t Go It Alone—Support for Substance Use at The Ranch Tennessee
If you’re looking for some support in that journey, The Ranch Tennessee is here to help. No matter if you just started the journey, have been walking a while or took a detour back to the beginning. A better life is waiting; call us at 888.969.7716 to get connected with our caring and supportive team today!
