Men’s Talk Groups – Rounds Affirmations

“You can’t defend yourself against your worst feelings. You might need some help with that.” – Howard

Once you have exhausted your toxic masculinity and acknowledge that you may have hurt people or committed unspeakable acts you may have earned the humility to grow, to learn and begin to live life on life’s terms as well as your own. If you had any issues with addictions of any kind and have by and large let them go, you may need some support from other people like you. You may not necessarily like the people you meet in these groups but they may have some experience, strength or hope that can inspire you or confirm what you may think is true, bad or good.

1. I will not allow my feelings, thoughts or actions to be dictated by other, especially in personal relationships.
2. I will honor myself by taking a break from others when I need to.
3. I can keep myself focused on my own growth and well-being.
4. I am fully responsible for myself, and let others take responsibility for themselves.
5. Today I will spend time and energy on myself.
6. Today I will not say yes when I want to say no.
7. It is my right and responsibility to take care of myself.
8. I am whole and complete myself. I will work daily on myself.
9. I will stand up for myself and not be a victim.
10. I am learning to make my own decisions.
11. I can be close to another person without losing myself or my male identity.
12. I let go of taking responsibility of other peoples problems, needs, desires and choices.
13. I don’t need to lead or follow in my relationships.
14. I will take the time I need to be self-directed.
15. I accept my responsibilities and let go of others.
16. I let go of other peoples feelings and choose my own.
17. I dare to risk to be free, to achieve my potential.
18. I want to love. I can love and be loved.
19. I am committed to being an honorable man

If you are approaching your life from one of recovery from one addiction or another it’s important to consider additional thoughts and actions on living positively.

What now?

If you have been living in any kind of creative theory of recovery and practicing any strategies then eventually you will get to a place in your recovery where you have found some level of stability. It doesn’t mean you are cured – the threat of relapse is always there. Living a creative strategy provides some insurance against the threat of complacency or relapse. Developing a habit of the following strategies can transition into long term strategies.

1. Focus on health and well being – From a holistic standpoint, you care for yourself nutritionally, physically and strive for emotional balance and healthy relationships
2. Focus on networking and support – People matter in recovery. When you connect with other recovering addicts on a regular basis, your own recovery will be that much stronger.
3. Focus on personal growth from a holistic standpoint – It may not be enough to grow spiritually in creative theory. You go beyond that and push yourself to grow in many areas of your life, setting and meeting goals. Do the dishes. Clean your house. Clean your room. You are harvesting endorphins that do not come from the products you used previously to ease the stresses and challenges of life.

Short of diving into Jordan Peterson’s Lobster Tank to determine what it takes to be a happy, responsible and useful human being, ultimately the responsibility of living a meaningful and productive life is yours.

You have power.

Self affirm.

Take action.