A 2019 Pew Research study found that 49% of Americans had a pessimistic opinion about the future. During the COVID pandemic, an ABC/Ipsos poll (May 2021) showed this percentage increased to 55%. A year later, in the spring of 2022, another poll by Pew Research indicated a significant change in attitude, finding that 68% of Americans had a favorable view of the future. These percentages are interesting because our hope for the future, or lack thereof, plays an enormous role in how we make decisions and act. There is plenty of research that shows when we have an unfavorable view of the future; we find it harder to overcome challenges, achieve our goals, and be happy. And, of course, the exact opposite occurs when we have a positive view of ourselves and what is possible.
None of us are immune from unwanted events, regardless of what we think. Similarly, when unwanted things happen, it is common for an individual to battle the anxiety and uncomfortable feelings they create. However, we do not need to let these unfavorable/unwanted events negatively cloud our perception of the future or how we will participate in it. The fact is, if we let our struggles and anxieties negatively frame our attitudes and actions for a sustainable period, it is on us.
The rooms of recovery educate and teach us how to cope with and manage the unexpected and unwanted. That is, they show us how to stay positive and focused in a complex and uncertain world. It is true we cannot control what happens to and around us, but we can control how we react. We have more power than we often realize, and we should not let outside influences or uncontrollable events take this power away. By staying in the present, working hard, being willing, and having the courage to ask for assistance, we can get what we want, even if everyone and thing around us is telling a different story.
It is also essential to keep in mind that most unexpected events are temporary. While it may be tempting to play the role of a victim, blame others, or return to the destructive but comfortable behaviors of old when things don't go our way, we don’t have to. If we stay focused on what we know is right and true, the unfavorable events and feelings we are experiencing will exit. It is when we let these unwanted events dictate our actions and attitudes that we get in trouble and miss the valuable opportunities a life in recovery allows.
It is okay if unwanted events enter our domain and alter our feelings, but we cannot let them take hold of our actions. By focusing on what is in our control and remembering who we are, we remain powerful and capable of overcoming any challenge life sends our way. The greatness of life is found within its temporary and chaotic moments, and it is in these moments that we realize the greatness inside us and how powerful we truly are. Rather than dwelling on the negative, choose to stay positive, believe in yourself, and get into action – if you do, the end result will be amazing.
FOR CONSIDERATION: There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future, so don’t let the negative people, stories, and events you encounter keep you from doing the next right thing. For what it is worth, it seems that nearly 100% of the individuals dedicated to their sobriety and engaged in the rooms of recovery always have an optimistic view of the future.
ZOOM IOP ARIZONA | ADDICTION TREATMENT | CHOICE RECOVERY
If looking for telehealth IOP services in Arizona, you might consider Choice Recovery. Choice Recovery offers evening telehealth IOP services for individuals seeking an alternative to in person care. Our IOP is led by maters level clinicians and specializes with individuals on or working to qualify for an organ transplant list.
Choice Recovery accepts most major insurance plans and four of the AHCCCS insurance plans including, Mercy Care, AZ Complete Health, Banner University, and United Healthcare. In addition to telehealth IOP, Choice Recovery offers in-person IOP int he morning and evening at our downtown Meas location. For more information about either program, please email us at admin@choiceiop.com or call us at 480-527-0337. Thank you!