{"id":1410,"date":"2020-05-26T15:36:51","date_gmt":"2020-05-26T19:36:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/thecelebritytherapist\/?p=1410"},"modified":"2022-12-22T14:00:56","modified_gmt":"2022-12-22T19:00:56","slug":"what-twelve-step-programs-can-teach-you-about-dealing-with-chaos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/thecelebritytherapist\/2020\/05\/what-twelve-step-programs-can-teach-you-about-dealing-with-chaos.html","title":{"rendered":"What Twelve Step Programs Can Teach You About Dealing with Chaos"},"content":{"rendered":"

Twelve step programs have helped millions of adults who felt like their life was spinning out of control. Even if you\u2019re not addicted to alcohol or gambling,\u00a0their philosophy may help you when external events make your situation seem unmanageable.<\/strong>\u00a0Maybe your life has been disrupted by health issues or job loss. Maybe your relationships are strained, or you\u2019re isolated from others.\u00a0Your wellbeing depends on how you respond to challenging situations.<\/strong>\u00a0Take a closer look at twelve step programs and the lessons they contain. You\u2019ll find wisdom that you can apply to any kind of hardship.<\/p>\n

Face Reality:<\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. Know yourself.<\/strong>\u00a0Personal development starts with taking an honest look at yourself. Evaluate your strengths and the areas where you need to grow. Appreciate your potential and define what an authentic life means for you.<\/li>\n
  2. Acknowledge obstacles.<\/strong>\u00a0You might think that denial can protect you from difficult truths. However,\u00a0what it really does is hold you back from making positive changes.<\/strong><\/li>\n
  3. Take action.<\/strong>\u00a0You have to take practical steps if you want to fulfill your goals. Figure out your motivation and put your ideas into motion.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Connect with Others:<\/h3>\n
      \n
    1. Ask for help.<\/strong>\u00a0Let your family and friends know how they can support you.\u00a0Recognizing your limits is a sign of strength rather than weakness.<\/strong>\u00a0You can accomplish more when you\u2019re willing to collaborate with others.<\/li>\n
    2. Give generously.<\/strong>\u00a0Deepen your relationships and build your self-esteem by sharing your time, talents, and other resources. As a bonus, your own troubles will probably seem less overwhelming.<\/li>\n
    3. Take risks.<\/strong>\u00a0If you want to experience being known and understood, it\u2019s important to allow yourself to be vulnerable. Talk about your thoughts and feelings. Give others the opportunity to do the same.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Live One Day at a Time:<\/h3>\n
        \n
      1. Be mindful. Focus on the present moment.<\/strong>\u00a0Give your full attention to one task at a time. Savor the ordinary moments in life like playing with your children and listening to the rain fall.<\/li>\n
      2. Care for yourself.<\/strong>\u00a0Adopt daily habits that nourish your physical and mental health. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Aim for at least 7 hours of high-quality sleep each night.<\/li>\n
      3. Start small.<\/strong>\u00a0Break big undertakings down into simpler steps. Set intermediate goals. Each victory will inspire you to keep trying.<\/li>\n
      4. Accept uncertainty.<\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s natural to feel uncomfortable when you\u2019re in unfamiliar territory. At the same time, change is inevitable.\u00a0Focus your efforts on the areas where you can have the most impact.<\/strong>Think about what you have to gain.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Practice Spirituality:<\/h3>\n
          \n
        1. Clarify your values.<\/strong>\u00a0Religion or spirituality plays a major role in twelve step programs.\u00a0Examine your core beliefs. Ask yourself if they\u2019re limiting you or encouraging you to grow.<\/strong>\u00a0Regardless of your age, you can set a new course.<\/li>\n
        2. Find meaning.<\/strong>\u00a0Challenging times can be a great opportunity to discover your life purpose and sort out your priorities. Think about the legacy you want to create and what inspires you to keep going. Remember that your purpose may evolve over time.<\/li>\n
        3. Meditate and pray.<\/strong>\u00a0Your spiritual muscles need conditioning the same as your physical ones. Train them with daily rituals. Read inspirational texts. Experiment with meditation and prayer techniques that align with your personal faith.<\/li>\n
        4. Join a community.<\/strong>\u00a0Many believers find that gathering together amplifies their power and generates support. Visit local faith communities that interest you or attend services online.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Even when you\u2019re surrounded by chaos, you can take responsibility for yourself and move forward.<\/strong>\u00a0Be open to learning from twelve step programs and other resources that can teach you to be stronger and more compassionate.<\/p>\n

          \"\"<\/figure>\n

          Sherry Gaba, LCSW, is the author of Infinite Recovery: 6 Steps of Mindfulness, Positive Thinking, and the Law of Attraction to Break Free from Addiction https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Infinite-Recovery-Mindfulness-Attraction-Addiction-ebook\/dp\/B07T4GLDFX<\/a>.\u00a0 For a limited time join her Wake Up Recovery Community, an online group coaching program \u00a0for a $1 for anyone struggling with addiction and\/or codependency. \u00a0https:\/\/wakeuprecovery.com\/become-a-member-co1\/<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          Twelve step programs have helped millions of adults who felt like their life was spinning out of control. Even if you\u2019re not addicted to alcohol or gambling,\u00a0their philosophy may help you when external events make your situation seem unmanageable.\u00a0Maybe your life has been disrupted by health issues or job loss. Maybe your relationships are strained,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":402,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1410","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-addiction"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat Twelve Step Programs Can Teach You About Dealing with Chaos - The Celebrity Therapist<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, nofollow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Twelve Step Programs Can Teach You About Dealing with Chaos - The Celebrity Therapist\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Twelve step programs have helped millions of adults who felt like their life was spinning out of control. 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