Waiting for the other shoe to drop

I can't tell you how many times I have heard addicts and family members state, " I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop". Is that positive energy? How is this type of thinking controlling your thoughts and behavior? If your expectations are that low, then relapse is right around the corner. Try this thought for size, no pun intended! If the shoe is starting to slip, tie the laces tighter. If the shoe does drop, put it back on and continue to work on your self. Positive energy is something self and family members need to believe in. If you focus on the negative and past challenges in your thoughts, how are you going to see the positive when it comes? Self needs positive thoughts to implement positive behavior. Negative thoughts will not help you keep your shoes on! People who struggle with addiction need to understand two primary things: first- let the past go, second- what is the unmet need. The shoe only drops if a person is not willing to work through their past and that unmet need is not fully identified. Self and waiting do not help the addict stay in the moment. Families and waiting do not help the family with their own grief or being able to provide support to the addict. Families of addicts are hurting just as much in some cases. Everyone needs to keep their shoes on, and pull the strings tighter if needed. Yes, sometimes the shoes will drop, but don't make it bigger, take the time time to put it back on your foot and move forward. Positive energy works with both shoes on regardless of what you will encounter. It's not worth the energy to always be thinking that something bad is going to happen. One thought at a time. Stay in your health, stay in the moment.