For the hour in a support group, we are safe and unafraid. Inside that hour that we are truly seen and unjudged. We are free to be ourselves. Then we are cast off into the world to navigate the next twenty three hours until we meet again. How do we stretch that feeling of protection into the rest of the day? Practice.

That hour can be a template for our lives and starting place for emotional stability in recovery. Socializing sober or with a new disability feels similar and terribly awkward at first. I second-guessed every move, wondered what to do with my hands, and was uncomfortable in my own skin. I felt vulnerable and exposed. As someone who always feels the need to entertain others, it’s been rough to take a seat in the audience.

I like to create opportunities for newcomers to practice socializing through self-doubt, like a casual tea date or craft day. We are learning together to stay present through the discomfort and trust that repetition will lead to confidence. Just being present is enough. Willingness to show up despite the fear is the courage. And true bravery is sitting through an awkward silence without fidgeting or being the first to talk. Try it!

Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and YouTube.

For more information, visit me at ⁠⁠⁠recoverydailypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ or email me at ⁠rachel@recoverydailypodcast.com⁠.

Visit my Etsy shop, Recovery Upcycling. https://www.etsy.com/shop/RecoveryUpcycling

For more information about vestibular disorders, visit https://vestibular.org.

#EmotionalSobriety #SoberLife #DisabilityAwareness #SocialAnxietySupport #RecoveryJourney #ShowUpAnyway #SoberCommunity #LifeAfterAddiction #SelfAcceptance #ProgressNotPerfection