Embracing Personal Capacity in Sobriety
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to lose sight of an essential aspect of our well-being - our capacity. Our capacity refers to the energy, emotional resilience, and mental strength we possess at any given moment. Often, we push past our limits in pursuit of tasks, others' expectations, or our own, neglecting the importance of checking in with ourselves. During a recent sobriety circle I hosted through A Sober Girl's Guide, we took a step back to honor and acknowledge our personal capacity levels and how they play into our sobriety.
During our call we discussed:
1. Checking in with Ourselves:
Before we can effectively manage our capacity, it's crucial to learn how to check in with ourselves. This involves taking time to reflect on our current emotional state, energy levels, and overall well-being. It's a form of self-assessment that allows us to understand where we are in the moment.
2. Recognizing High Capacity:
High capacity is when we feel energized, emotionally stable, and mentally alert. It's a state where we can take on more challenges and be more present for ourselves and others.
3. Identifying Low Capacity:
Low capacity, on the other hand, is a state of depletion. We feel fatigued, emotionally drained, and mentally exhausted. In such moments, it's essential to acknowledge our limitations and practice self-compassion.
4. Supporting Ourselves:
To navigate the fluctuations in our capacity, it's crucial to have strategies that help us bolster our well-being such as:
Leaning into Self-Compassion: We can loosen the grip of our expectations by speaking to ourselves with kindness, just as we would to a friend or a loved one. This shift in self-talk can help alleviate self-imposed pressures and reduce stress.
Caring for our Basic Needs: Rest when tired, eat when hungry, hydrate when thirsty, and respond to nature's call. These simple acts are powerful ways to recharge and support our systems.
Set healthy Boundaries: Setting healthy boundaries is another way to manage our capacity effectively. It allows us to protect our time and energy, ensuring that we don't overextend ourselves.
Our capacity level plays a vital role in our sobriety adventure. Recognizing when our capacity is low is crucial, as it can prevent us from succumbing to triggers or cravings.
Today's Mantra: I honor my capacity level at this moment by checking in with myself with loving kindness.
In the quest for self-improvement, personal growth, and sobriety, it's essential to remember that honoring our capacity is a fundamental step. By checking in with ourselves, recognizing when our capacity is high or low, and providing ourselves with the necessary support, we can lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. The journey towards self-discovery, self love and self trust in sobriety becomes more manageable when we approach it with loving kindness and an understanding of our own unique capacity.