Deja vu is the feeling of having experienced something before. It can be great if we are reliving a cherished feeling from childhood or a more recent one we just enjoyed. However, when we feel an unwelcomed event is repeating itself, old frustrations can be resurrected.
Journeys aren’t linear
The fastest way to connect two dots in math is with a straight line. In life, we hope there is a straight path to what we want. For many, the journey is more like a circle. The same points are revisited time and time again with hopefully different results.
We propel forward by learning how to deal with uncomfortable situations and repeated roadblocks. Undoubtedly, there will always be back and forth no matter how we age or move. This can be a great thing with the right approach.
There isn’t just one path. The right path doesn’t exist. The only right path that exists is yours.
Nuance is everything
It can be hard when our paths include breakups, job losses and self-doubt. We may feel confident yet everything can change in an instant. Our goals can shift, travel buddies can change paths or we may just lose direction/motivation. That’s all okay and part of the journey.
As we get older, we understand there are nuances to everything. Nuances are subtle distinctions or variations. In other words, they are the small details that make something what it is.
Subtle shifts in our actions or behaviors don’t have to be earth-shattering to be meaningful. For instance, if your original goal was to be a doctor but your plan changes, you can still be in a field that promotes health by being a naturopath, hypnotist or nutritionist.
Reaching our goals is not always simple. However, we can still hang on to our hopes and dreams no matter where life takes us.
Progression can redefine logic
Life is not linear. Progression doesn’t always have a sense of logic. Life can be as intuitive or chaotic as needed to move forward. No one has the secret map of your journey, including you. There are dead ends and forks galore.
Seek out your path and be comfortable with this learning journey.
How to move forward as you cut back on drinking
Step One:
Moving forward is the first step. We are designed to seek out the right next step with the information we have. Almost anything can be figured out by trial and error. Explore and discover the world via new experiences.
Step Two:
Honoring your past is the second step. This can be done with self-reflection. Looking backward is one way to also move forward. The trail we have created can tell us a lot about ourselves upon review. We can figure out what we liked and didn’t like about the journey and identify our emotional growth during good and not-so-good times. Reflections allow us to see where and how we create patterns.
Step Three:
Embrace redirection. Setbacks are a part of life. Wrong paths are often discovered when looking for shortcuts. We have to remain open-minded during setbacks. Optimism always beats pessimism.
Others may appear on the surface to have an easier path, however, no one ever has it easy. Focus on what is going right during your journey in the present moment.
Embrace your own path, challenges and all. We are not all meant to be on the same journey. Comparison is the sneaky thief of joy.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for how to cut back on drinking. We all have different relationships with alcohol that can change with intention.
Here are a few tips to help you cut back on drinking:
- Set realistic goals. If you're not used to drinking less alcohol, don't try to cut back by half overnight. Start slow and increase your goals as you go.
- Find an alternative activity. When you're tempted to drink, do something else instead. Go for a walk, call a friend, or watch a movie.
- Avoid triggers. If there are certain situations that make you want to drink, try to avoid them. If you can't avoid them, have a plan in place for how you'll deal with the temptation.
- Seek support. It can be helpful to talk to someone who understands what you're going through. Talk to a friend, family member, or therapist.
- Be prepared for setbacks. There will be times when you slip up. Don't beat yourself up about it.
Take heart that there are no defined paths, no formulas or surefire guidelines to reach your destination. Keep moving forward with the Reframe app. We provide support as you make the next step with 15-minute daily activities that help you cut back on drinking.
