With the look on mindfulness, it should be obvious, why time for myself was and is an important tool in the way to long-lasting sobriety. I want to write it down nonetheless, if not for my own reflection.

This is the keyword: Reflection. Don’t get me wrong here, it is very helpful to have someone to talk to. It took me some time to open up to close friends (funnily, earlier than my family), but friends weren’t so close so it was easier to give account to them. It’s a bit like a therapy.

I really found out that the times when I am on my own out in nature for a hike, a run or simply a stroll, it helps me to sort my memories, thoughts and ideas. I don’t know up to the present day if I am a candidate to have ADHD, although it sometimes fells that way.

The importance is that you can rely on yourself, if and when you want and need to be alone. It is probably not the best idea to solve all your problems all by yourself, but I think having a time to breathe, meditate and roam free and sort your memories and thoughts without another person even in your vicinity, because it always bears the possible danger of being disturbed in your solitude, especially when you don’t want anyone to have around you in these phases.

So, I recommend taking planned (or unplanned) times “off” and sort out things by yourself, but always come back to people you trust.

Until then: Keep up the faith in yourself and take one step at a time.