Purpose and Meaning
by Simon Mott
Topic at a glance:
- A strong sense of meaning and purpose makes it easier to remain free of addiction.
- What is a mission statement, and why is it important to have one?
- How to use a visualization to find out what is important to you.
Extract from the Hope Rehab Aftercare Manual – Click to Download This Free eBook
Your Mission Statement
Write a mission statement because it helps clarify what is important to you. It also keeps you focussed so you are better able to design a new life. It helps you live out positive values and gives you a sense of meaning and purpose.
Addiction is a killer disease so having a defined sense of purpose helps keep away from self-destructive behaviour – e.g. A common symptom of addiction is self-centeredness, so having a purpose helping other addicts, keeps us out of self-obsession. The same goes for any clear mission statement, it raises our game and promotes a sense of accountability.
What is a Mission Statement? And What it is Not.
A personal mission statement is not just a commitment but a plan for how you can achieve your life vision. A life vision is defined as looking into the future and visualizing the results.
How to write a mission statement, here is one of my examples “to help and inspire other addicts make positive change through my recovery work”
Now start by asking yourself…..
Your Short Mission Statement
Now try writing short missions before writing a more complete longer version.
How to Find Your Meaning and Purpose Using a Visualisation Exercise
Sit quietly and visualise where you would like to be. What you would like to be doing? Who with? etc.
For example, see yourself as a non-user, recovering addict with the rewards of all your hard work. Get a clear picture in your head and feel it. If you do this often enough it will lodge in your unconscious mind, also your sub goals and mission statement will get you there.
Vision for Your Future
A vision for your future is not so easy to measure exactly. Just like happiness and having a family, you can certainly set goals that can get you there though. When you make a plan be prepared to accept when it does not turn out the way you expected. I did not expect to build and run a rehab but am very happy I do. I just wanted to help other addicts and do something I could be proud of.
Don’t forget, this is post is an extract from the Hope Aftercare Manual. You can read the entire eBook for free just by clicking here.
Please support Hope Rehab Thailand by sharing this post online.
Other Topics That Might Interest You
Am I Too Old For Rehab?
Can we be too old for rehab? In this post we examine legitimate age-related concerns while also explaining why it is never too late for second-chances in life.
Rehab Ready – Who Is Most Likely to Succeed?
Not everyone who goes to rehab will achieve long-term recovery. It is not just a matter of luck though. We examine here why some people are more likely to succeed than others.
Comforting or Challenging: Finding The Balance Between Luxury and Simplicity in Rehab
Finding the most suitable rehab program can be a bit like tuning a guitar. If it is tuned too tightly the string might break, but if it is too loose, it becomes impossible to play.
Toxic Love – How Poisonous Relationships Can Destroy Mental Health
A toxic relationship can be a bit like drinking contaminated water. It may seem to quench our thirst, but it is also making us sick.
The Hidden Impact of Attachment Styles on Relationships
An insecure attachment style can be like a bucket full of holes. It doesn’t matter how much water you put in there, the bucket continues to feel empty.
Singing Bowl Therapy
Sound therapy is based on the idea that vibration is a foundational principle of our universe. We can use sound as an aid to meditation and relaxation.
"*" indicates required fields
