The Tough Road to Forgiveness in Addiction Recovery
Episode Overview
Self-forgiveness is often the hardest part of recovery. Living in a state of penance can hinder genuine relationships. Lack of self-forgiveness can lead to destructive behaviours. Forgiving others can be life-giving and transformative. Faith can play a significant role in the process of forgiveness.
Addiction is a life of lies and manipulation, and the person we lie to the most is ourselves
Forgiveness is a tricky beast, isn't it? In this episode of 'Relational Recovery', hosts Wes Thompson and Austin Hill dive into the complexities of forgiveness, especially in the context of addiction recovery. They kick things off with a candid discussion about how forgiving oneself can be the hardest part of the recovery journey. Wes shares his struggles with self-forgiveness, highlighting how it forces us to give up control and accept what we can't change - like how others see us.
Austin adds that many people live in a constant state of penance, always trying to earn love rather than just receiving it. The conversation then shifts to how this struggle impacts relationships with others and even with God. They discuss the fear of not being truly loved if one's true self is revealed, leading to a performance-based approach to relationships. Wes and Austin agree that this fear can be a significant barrier to self-forgiveness and, by extension, forgiving others.
One of the more poignant moments comes when Wes talks about the destructive behaviours that can arise from a lack of self-forgiveness. He explains that feelings of self-hatred or even mild self-dislike can spiral into harmful actions like drug use or alcoholism. This episode isn't just about identifying problems; it's also about finding beauty in the act of forgiveness.
Wes and Austin share stories of people who have forgiven others and given them another chance, describing these moments as truly life-giving. If you're grappling with forgiveness, whether for yourself or others, this episode offers valuable insights and real-life examples that can help you on your journey. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that tackles one of the most challenging aspects of recovery.