Just Do It!...(but not alone)…

Confident woman

We have all heard the phrase “just do it.” Nike popularized the phrase and it is used globally to promote their sportswear and equipment. These words are commonly used to instill the principles of training and hard work in people. Such principles have meaning beyond just sports. Sometimes we encounter situations in life that may cause us to doubt our ability to overcome obstacles; whether it’s a new job, challenging a fear, or simply finding the nerve to ask someone out on a date.

In my case, it was alcoholism. After years of dealing with the destructive effects of it, I finally sought help and arrived at Narconon New Life Retreat in Louisiana. It was the best decision I have ever made. I didn’t make this choice alone and was encouraged by a loving family who helped direct me. The obstacle of drug and alcohol addiction, which so many come to face, can be so overwhelming many feel like there is no hope.

Throughout my program, there was doubt and fear. There was also the uplifting words of staff and students who are dealing with the same situations. I found people from all over were right there with me. We supported each other through the good and bad.

I am writing this to instill strength and provide encouragement to those who truly want to rid themselves of their addiction. It will take hard work. It will take much soul searching which can be very emotional. When done with guidance and support, one can recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol, as I did.

Here are some inspirational quotes I and many others have found to be uplifting:

1. “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”—Gandhi

2. “Fall seven times, stand up eight.”—Japanese proverb

3. “Quitting smoking is easy. I’ve done it 100 times.”—A little humor from Mark Twain

4. “Recovery is hard. Regret is harder.”—Brittany Burgunder

5. “The greatest mistake to make in life is to continually be afraid you will make one.”—Elbert Hubbard

6. “Great acts are made up of small deeds.”—Lao Tzu

7. “Courage isn’t having the strength to go on – it is going on when you have no strength.”—Napoleon

8. “When your past calls, don’t answer. It has nothing new to say.”—Unknown

9. “My life has been full of terrible misfortunes most of which never happened.”—Michel de Montaigne

10. “Rock bottom became the solid foundation to which I rebuilt my life.”—Unknown

11. “Be stronger than your strongest excuse.”—Unknown

12. “Recovery didn’t open the gates of heaven and let me in. Recovery closed the gates of hell and let me out.”—Unknown

13. “If we are facing in the right direction, then all we have to do is keep walking.”—Zen proverb

14. “Great things come out of hard work and enthusiasm.”—My best friend Grady

If you find inspiration in these words, then you have already gained the footing to take the first step. There will be difficult days for sure. You may feel awful at first but that will go away. How many hangovers or withdrawals can we go through before we say enough is enough? If we can get on drugs and alcohol, we can get off them. It had been quite some time since I got up in the morning and sat outside feeling peaceful. It is a great feeling to walk freely enjoying the day and thoroughly enjoy it.

In closing, I want to instill strength and courage in others. Here, as a close-knit band of brothers and sisters, we all have something in common.

We are all “just doing it!” And we are doing it together……

AUTHOR

Aaron

Aaron has been writing drug education articles and documenting the success of the Narconon program for over two years.

NARCONON NEW LIFE RETREAT

DRUG EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION