The emotional work of recovery entails examining all of our patterns, the patterns of our thoughts, feelings and behaviors, to look at where we’re subconsciously self-sabotaging and derailing our lives with self-destruction. Self-sabotage looks different for everyone. Some of our addictions are in plain view – we drink way too much and become belligerent. For others, our addictions are more obscure. We’re addicted to a toxic and harmful relationship. We’re addicted to a thought obsession and have compulsions related to it. We’re addicted to a behavior that we cling to for comfort and security but which actually threatens to destroy us. We’re addicted to shoplifting, drunk driving, gambling, or risky sex. We self-sabotage by choosing and then staying in abusive relationships. We self-sabotage by never allowing ourselves to reach our full potential, in our work or with our passions. We self-sabotage by refusing to believe in ourselves and keeping ourselves down with the destructive, powerful weight of our limiting beliefs.

Shedding self-sabotage means facing our fears of inadequacy, unworthiness and inferiority to other people. We have to give up the notions we’ve been holding onto for years that we’re not good enough, that we’re in competition with other people and that we don’t measure up, that we’re not worthy or capable of making our dreams come true. Our self-sabotage is often rooted in the limiting beliefs stored in our subconscious minds. Maybe we had a parent who was very judgmental and critical of us, or the neglect or abuse we sustained made us feel insecure and inadequate. Whatever has made us become inclined to self-sabotage in the past has to be confronted and processed mindfully. We have to face these fears and look at them directly, with courage and resilience. We have to remind ourselves that we are stronger than our self-destructive tendencies.

We can shed our self-sabotage by rebuilding our confidence so that we can believe in ourselves in a genuine way. We can use affirmations to help ourselves with this process. The more we repeat something, the more it becomes imprinted in our subconscious mind. It becomes our new programming, our new belief system. “I deserve the best. I choose to be good to myself. I choose to prioritize my own well-being. I lift myself up. I respect, love and accept myself. I am lovable. I am worthy. I am more than good enough. I am confident. I am at peace with myself.” Choose affirmations that make you feel empowered and strong. Practice writing them and repeating them out loud, giving them the energy of your intention and your emotion. The more you consciously work to shed your self-sabotage, the more you will make progress in your recovery and become the true, whole version of yourself you’re capable of being.

It’s time to reclaim your life and claim your happy ending. Bayview Recovery can be your home for the support, nurturing and education you need throughout your recovery journey. Call 888-570-7154 today to find out more about how we can help you.