Developing A Recovery And Wellness Lifestyle
A Self-Help Guide

Taking Charge-Regaining Control of Your Life

If you feel you have control over your own life, you have gotten over the first hurdle to creating change in your circumstances. If you don't feel you have control over your life, it is important that you take back control. It is very difficult to feel well when you are not in charge of your own life. Answering the following questions and making the suggested lists could help you figure out how to regain control of your life.

Do you feel that you have control over your own life?
Or do you feel other people control your life and you can't do anything about the way your life is?
What controls your life? List things such as your children, your spouse, a disability, lack of money, etc.
List things you could do to take back control over your life.
For instance, you could —

talk with your spouse about issues related to control
perhaps the two of you could see a counselor together
ask your children to take care of some of their own needs and help out with chores
get a part- or full-time job doing something your enjoy
attend a class on money management
learn sign language

List what you think is keeping you from doing the things you need to do to take back control over your life.
For instance, you —

have lack of motivation
have low self-esteem
feel like its too much trouble
feel scared
do not want to upset others
want to avoid the anger of family members

List the benefits of taking back control over your life.
For instance, you would —

feel better physically and emotionally
have less stress
have more time to do the things you enjoy
have time to take good care of yourself
feel more fulfilled
improve the quality of your life

Table of Contents | Previous | Next

Developing A Recovery And Wellness Lifestyle A Self-Help Guide

Taking Charge-Regaining Control of Your Life

Developing A Recovery And Wellness Lifestyle
A Self-Help Guide