There are many ways to improve your sobriety journey. One of the many ways is to zone in on substance abuse therapy topics during group discussions. Group discussions are massively effective in keeping one sober as it provides support, encouragement, shared wisdom, and tools for building one’s coping skills. Here are ten practical tips to make the most out of group discussions:
1. Be open
You should make it a point to approach group discussions with openness. This approach will allow you to make the most out of group discussions as it will allow for authentic connection between you and the people around you. You should be open and willing to share you experiences, challenges, and success. This nature will help you see things as they are and allow others to help you in matters that need support. Openness will not only allow you to release pain, it will also allow you to touch other people’s lives.
2. Actively listen
You should endeavor to actively listen during group discussions. Active listening is a skill that can be learned and practiced everyday. Listening will allow you to fully engage your mind and be present in the moment. Giving your full attention while someone is talking will be very healing as it will empower others to fully express themselves. In turn, you will also be empowered. Active listening will also improve your empathy.
3. Be honest
It will be a total waste of time if you’re going to attend group discussions and be dishonest. Honesty is an essential virtue in life that you should always aim to develop. Without honesty, there can be no improvement. For how can one have a better life if there is no admission of one’s current situation? Aim to be authentic and transparent during group discussions. You do not need to protect yourself or make an image. Be as raw as you can possibly be. The more honest you are, the better your life will be.
4. Seek guidance
Don’t miss the chance to connect with other people and seek guidance. You are in group discussions because you need help. You need help because you cannot do everything by yourself. Being part of a group discussion is a humbling experience as it will remind you that you need a community that cares for you. Knowing that you need care and that it is available for you can make wonders in your sobriety journey.
5. Learn from others
We are here to learn from others. Regardless of the similarity in your recovery journey with others, not one sobriety story is the same. There is always something that you can learn from others. A person will always know something that you don’t know you. Actively listening and participating in group discussions will help you have access to this.
6. Give support
Don’t miss the chance to give support to other when you are in a group discussion. What you receive, you should also give. Giving support will be of great help to you because it will easily remind you of your capacity to be of help to others. And if you can be for others, you can also be there for yourself. Knowing that you can be of help to others and to yourself, most especially, will empower you to make good decisions everyday.
7. Share your successes
Never miss a chance to celebrate your small wins. You have already been through so much. You are, simply put, a survivor. That you’re alive and currently reading this is not a tiny feat. That you are actively looking for ways to make the most out of group discussions is a total win. Always open your headspace to the one true fact that you can do things. Sharing your small wins will always remind you that you can accomplish things. Knowing that you can accomplish things will make your journey to sobriety easier. Always celebrate yourself and your capacity to do things.
8. Practice constructive feedback
Group discussions are perfect for individuals that need to learn how to give and receive constructive feedback. Constructive feedback is essential for anyone who wants to grow and improve. In group discussions, giving or receiving one should always be done in a respectful and compassionate manner.
9. Be accountable
Being part of an active group that gives you all-out support will allow you and embolden you to be ever accountable. Your group will always remind you of your responsibility to take care of yourself and be good to yourself. As you are part of the group, you will also be able to help others remain accountable. Remaining accountable will allow you to make good decisions everyday. Being part of a group will allow you to fully be responsible for yourself.
10. Stay connected
Isolation is the enemy. When one is isolated, it’s easy for one to feel alone, alienated, and overwhelmed. In isolation, one can easily lose touch of reality. This will not be the case if you will take advantage of group discussions in your sobriety journey. In group discussions, you’d be able to connect to others seamlessly and effortlessly. You will belong to a group that fully understand what you’re going through. You will belong to a group that has no business in judging you or seeing you in any form of way. You will be allowed to be fully yourself while feeling that you fully belong and that you are fully supported.
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