Hello, dear friends. Life never stops throwing punches, and while currently in a bit of a crisis, I remembered some very good advice. Accept help.
I recently asked an older relative what he wished he could tell himself at my age. Without pause, he said, “Accept help.” It gave me chills because it was intensely relevant for me as someone who is constantly trying to be independent. Societal conditioning tells us that there is inherent value in independence, and the goal of this messaging is to prevent us from functionally working together as a community. Why? Because as soon as we are able to live together, connected authentically, and working towards our goals — we are a threat to the capitalist structure. We are easier to control when we are separate.
So many people internalize this idea of independence in regards to fighting their addictions. “I want to do this on my own.” “Nobody could possibly understand the pain I’m going through.” “My addiction is beyond repair, I’ll be over here all alone.” Type shit.
When we are in the depths of the struggle, we are in the most difficult place to see things clearly. Our addicted voice + the voice of capitalist conditioning are working together to ensure that we do not accept help, because to do that might mean the end of both of those things.
Human beings are a social species. We survived only because we worked together. You, dear reader, are here because of a long line of ancestors who were able to reproduce because of their ability to survive with a supportive community. It’s hard-wired into all of us, and baked into our genetics.
If you feel lost or trapped in your addiction — you’re not alone. If you have the impulse to think that “I have to do this on my own.” YOU SIMPLY DO NOT. Reach out your hand. Accept help. You’ll be enriching yourself and destroying capitalism in the same breath.
May you be happy and free, dear reader.
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This week on the podcast, we hear from Adam. He talks about growing up adopted and as a person of color, feeling very different, and fighting through deep shame. His addiction nearly killed him, and he found a way out and now works as a Recovery Coach. Click here to listen.
I’m currently taking 1:1 Recovery Coaching clients on a sliding scale. If you’re feeling stuck, want accountability, and want someone who gets it to walk beside you on this journey — you can book a Free 20 Minute Consultation with me here.
Sober River Rats Club is this Sunday from noon-4pm at Riverside Park in West Fork, AR. We hope to see you there!
Support groups are still every Monday at 6pm at The Library Vintage in Fayetteville, AR.
