Navigating relationships in recovery can be challenging, especially as you learn which ones to let go of and which ones to hang onto. It is an integral piece of recovery and moving forward from your past.
Letting Go
Recovery provides space for you to be honest about which relationships you desire to continue nurturing and which you are ready to let go of. Letting go of what feels safe can be hard, especially when it once took up a large space in your life. It requires being okay with what you do not yet know.
Just because something is unknown does not mean it is wrong. Sometimes certain relationships can be detrimental to your recovery, or they may not be worth the effort it takes to maintain them if you do not get anything in return. It is okay to let go and be open to new chapters.
Grieving What Was
It is only natural to experience grief in the midst of letting go of relationships, past experiences, and versions of yourself you may be holding onto that prevent healing. Due to this experience, it is important to allow yourself time to grieve the parts of your life that you have left behind.
It is normal to miss relationships, old experiences, and parts of yourself that may have been toxic to your healing. Even when letting go was a good thing, it might still hurt. Permitting yourself to feel sadness because of that hurt is okay. Grieving past people and experiences does not mean you are backpedaling. It means you are healing and making space for what is to come as you tie up loose ends and experience closure with past chapters of your life.
Boundaries
In navigating current and future relationships, boundaries are your best friend. Boundaries allow you to discover where another person ends and where you begin. This allows you to create healthy relationships while prioritizing yourself and your recovery. Both are key ingredients to sustainable and long-term growth and wellness.
Creating boundaries may look like setting time limits on outings, saying no to things when you have enough on your plate, or asking people not to talk about or do certain things when they are around you. People worth having in your life will respect these boundaries.
Sometimes you must let go of relationships that no longer serve you to create space for healing and recovery. This can be challenging to do alone. At Avalon Malibu, we are here to support you as you surrender, grieve what was, and set boundaries that foster your healing. We understand how difficult it can be to let go of what feels safe and lean into uncertainty. Our team of professionals is here to support you as you do this. Call Avalon Malibu today at (844) 857-5992.
