“Fear is a powerful beast. But we can learn to ride it.” ~ Justine Musk
Have you felt fear recently?
I know I have.
The thing is when we are dealing with substance use, fear is usually just below the surface.
Even though it can feel challenging at the moment, remember that there is always hope for your loved one. Relapse can often be part of the bumpy process to finally reach long-term recovery.
Every parent occasionally worries about their teen or adult children. We worry about whether they are making the right life choices, how they will be able to support themselves, and if they are truly happy in life. Being a parent never ends.
When our kids are making poor decisions, it helps to step back and realize that there is no quick fix to our children’s problems. It is a marathon, not a sprint. There are many ways we can help, but our children ultimately are the ones who are in charge of their lives.
“I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.” ~ Louisa May Alcott
At some point, we need to let go of our worries. We need to give our kids the gift of being responsible for themselves. In the end, this gift will lift the burden of responsibility off our shoulders. It will help our children to be more confident, and responsible.
Fear and worry can encompass our lives. It can stop us cold. No matter what our circumstances we can live our best lives without fear dictating our every waking breath.
It can be a challenge when you are struggling with substance use in your family. Here are twelve ways to let go of your fear.
1. Overcome your fear one step at a time. Close Pandora’s box where your mind is going to all the dark places. Pay attention to what is happening now. It will help you stop the what-ifs and should-haves.
2. Mindfully experience less doubt, worry, and fear and more peace, love, and happiness. Take a hard look at the source of your anxiety and find the courage to face that which is causing you pain.
3. Wonderful things can happen when you take part in your own life. Remember that when you avoid taking risks, fear is there holding you back. Face your fear and you will find your way through to the other side.
4. Find your reserve of courage to help you take tiny steps toward overcoming your fear. You may find that you have exactly enough strength to reach your goal.
5. Feeling fear is a signal that there is something for you to learn. Take the time to learn the life lesson and move forward.
6. Stay in the present moment, living one day at a time. Worry focuses on the future. When you live in the present moment, you will be taking positive steps towards conquering your fears.
7. Respond with love, care and respect for yourself. When we experience fear, confusion, and anger we are continuing old habits that are no longer working. Let go and learn new ways to respond that are more effective to others as well as yourself.
8. Surrendering and letting go gives you the tools to face anything. Rather than hide your feelings, express how you are feeling and let go of your fear to communicate.
9. Maintain your inner stillness even when you feel scared or doubtful. Letting go of the constant mental chatter will lead you to sanity and serenity.
10. Face your fear of change. Accept that change is inevitable and learn to be more comfortable with it. Listen to your inner voice that will guide you through the different stages, phases, growth, and recovery.
11. Manage your life through your strength and courage, not through your fear. Don’t let fear become a power greater than yourself. Your anxieties and worries do not have to run your life.
12. Fear is not a sign that you are a coward or weak. It is a signal that some action is needed on your part. Let go of reacting to fear by withdrawing, hiding, procrastinating, running away, or putting yourself down. Make a decision, take action and then surrender to your greater power.
“Be still and know that I am with you.” ~ English prayer
What ways have you found to conquer your fear? How have you lived a strong and courageous life? Leave your thoughts in comments.
If you liked this post, please share it on social media.
Get our latest newsletter delivered to your email inbox and get your FREE Guide with 25 Tips That Help With Substance Use (plus, a 16-part email series with tools that you can use to support your child’s change today)!
Thank you for being there for your child when they need you the most! XO, Cathy
