My Journey Using the SMART Recovery & ITC Approach
In the hustle and bustle of life, we often find ourselves juggling multiple responsibilities, striving to meet deadlines, and fulfilling personal commitments especially in the warmer months. However, there are moments when life throws unexpected challenges our way. Such as a family crisis, that demand our immediate attention and emotional energy. Maybe for a short time or many months. During those times, it is super important to prioritize self-care, press the Pause Button and recognize that it’s okay to take a step back from our usual routines, what ever they may be, for example, social commitments, volunteering, writing and working. While getting a handle on things or figuring out next steps.
I have a Cassandra thought, maybe you have the possibility to take one day off from work. Even just one day off, helps a great deal especially if you choose to do nothing on that day and I mean nothing. This blog post explores the importance of self-care during a family crisis, guided by the principles from, the Center of Motivation and Change, the ITC Approach, SMART Recovery and the thoughts of me, Cassandra.
Understanding the Need for a Pause. Like think of pressing a BIG PAUSE BUTTON!
A family crisis can be emotionally draining, leaving little room for creative endeavors you like. It’s crucial to acknowledge that taking time off is not a sign of weakness or that something is wrong with you but a necessary step towards healing and maintaining mental well-being. The ITC Approach emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-compassion, encouraging individuals to listen to their inner needs and act accordingly in a way that makes sense to THEM and yes that is okay to do. It might feel strange at first. It might not make sense to everyone else. And guess what, it doesn’t have to.
The ITC Approach: Regarding, Compassionate Self-Care
The CMC, Invitation To Change Approach (ITC), is a therapeutic framework that integrates mindfulness, cognitive therapy, and interpersonal skills and a whole host of other ideas, that are Science Informed, to promote self-compassion and emotional resilience.
Side Note: The Invitation to Change Approach (ITC) is also a holistic helping framework based in science and kindness, designed for families, loved ones and professionals of people who are struggling with substance use. During a family crisis, I feel this approach can be instrumental. More about CMC and the ITC Approach HERE. This is a meeting I host on Monday nights for The Center for Motivation and Change that is free!
1. Practicing Mindfulness: Being present in the moment and acknowledging your feelings no matter what they are, without judgment can help you navigate through the emotional turmoil of a family crisis.
2. Cognitive Awareness: Recognizing and reframing negative thought patterns can prevent you from spiraling into self-blame or guilt for taking a break from your creative interest. For me, I now default to, Point 3 from SMART Recovery which helps me a whole lot! Point 3 states, Managing Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviors.
3. Interpersonal Connection: Reaching out to loved ones or support groups can provide the emotional support needed to cope with the crisis. For me, I attend extra Support Meetings. I still struggle with connection a lot. I tend to go Missing from all things except my responsibilities pertaining to my work. I am working on that all of the time still. Side Note: I was doing this before my Loved One started to struggle with Substance Abuse the ‘tend to go missing’. It is good to know that about myself. And not beat myself up about it. It is good to just be aware of it. Why is this good? Being aware can help you take steps to change.
SMART Recovery: A Balanced Approach to Self-Care
SMART Recovery is a self-help program that emphasizes self-empowerment and self-reliance. Its principles can be beneficial in managing stress and emotions during a family crisis. The 4 Points of Smart Recovery, with a slight Cassandra Twist:
Point 1. Building and Maintaining Motivation: Remind yourself of the importance of self-care to help with the Motivation for your own reasons for pausing. And then remembering, how it contributes to your overall well-being and ability to support yourself and then your family. Which can help us greatly to keep our Motivation up.
Point 2. Coping with Urges and Cravings: Recognize the urge to push through and continue working and doing, despite the crisis. Notice how you may be feeling. Instead, allow yourself the grace to rest and recharge resisting the Urge to push through.
Point 3. Manage Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors: Use SMART Recovery tools to maintain a balanced perspective and manage the emotional impact of the crisis. That does involve some conscious thought. Cassandra thought: acknowledge the problem and then be SOLUTION based about it. Tell yourself that you will be SOLUTION Based. That will go a long way and help a great deal to manage your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Because the way we think about something affects the way we react to something.
Point 4. Living a Balanced Life: A Life Beyond Addiction. Understand that life is about balance. Taking time off to care for yourself is a crucial part of maintaining that balance. Resting when necessary during a crisis is very important. That could mean just laying down for 20 minutes right in the middle of the day or after work. Saying ‘No’ is an important word and action step in order to keep our energy and mental well being up at times. Cassandra Thought, yes that could feel quite uncomfortable and that is okay, try it anyway.
Embracing the Journey, WHAT?! Embrace the Journey, Cassandra?! You might be saying..
Yes, taking a break intentionally, (embracing that is needed here in your life) from your usual responsibilities during a family crisis is a courageous and necessary decision. It’s an opportunity to prioritize self-care, reflect on your needs, and emerge stronger and more resilient. By embracing the principles of the ITC Approach and SMART Recovery, you can navigate through the crisis with compassion and grace, knowing that it’s okay to pause and prioritize your own well-being.
Remember, self-care is not selfish—it’s a vital part of being able to support those around you and continue your creative journey with renewed energy and inspiration. Here is a Blog Post regarding Self-care isn’t selfish right HERE, that I myself wrote!
“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
~ Epictetus
Finding peace amidst challenging times is possible with the right strategies, support, and a commitment to self-care. Ever think about working with a Coach to help with this process? Need additional guidance? Text me! I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s have a conversation and see how having a Coach like me can help you!
Text me at 516-984-3756 or click the button below.
Wishing you well always..
Peace, Love, & Tapping,
Cassandra Toppi
