BEYOND SURVIVING LIFE WITH AN ALCOHOLIC – Part 5 – A New Life Vision
Shaping a New Life Vision – Living Beyond the Legacy of Pain
Once you’ve started rebuilding your self-worth, boundaries, and voice, a natural and powerful next step is to imagine—and create—the life you desire. For many who have lived in the shadow of addiction, this step can feel both exhilarating and daunting. Why? because it encourages you to embrace your own power.
Why Visioning Feels Difficult…
When you’ve spent years surviving, you’re not used to dreaming. Your mental energy has been focused on keeping the peace, managing crises, or just getting through the day. So when the chaos dies down, you’re left with silence—and questions.
Lisa, for example, found herself staring at a blank journal page. She had been out of the relationship for a year, but when asked what she wanted for her future, she felt numb. “Want?” she said. “I don’t even know what I like.”
This is a common—and normal—part of healing.
How to Begin Shaping Your New Life Vision
- Reconnect With Old Desires
What did you love before the relationship? Gardening? Writing? Nature? Revisit the things that brought you peace and joy, even if they feel small. They’re clues to your authentic self. - Visualise a Day in Your Ideal Life
Sit quietly and imagine waking up in your ideal life. What does your morning look like? Where are you? Who is there? What do you feel in your body? This is not about being realistic—it’s about awakening possibility. - Create a Joy List
Write down 20 things that bring you joy, big or small. Then start weaving them into your weeks. These become threads of your new life. - Set Intentional Goals, Not Just Tasks
Instead of “Get a job,” think: “Build financial freedom doing something that energises me.” Shifting from obligation to intention puts you in the driver’s seat. - Design a Supportive Environment
Who lifts you up? What places inspire you? What routines help you thrive? Intentionally design your life to reinforce your vision, not contradict it. - Take One Brave Step
It doesn’t have to be huge. It might be applying for a class, sharing your story, or planning a trip. Action fuels momentum.
Obstacles That May Arise
- Fear of failure or disappointment
- Guilt for wanting more
- Conditioning that says “you don’t deserve it”
- Habitual focus on others’ needs before your own
Affirm: You Have Permission to Want
Creating a vision is not selfish. It’s sacred. As you enter this phase, remember you’re not betraying anyone by dreaming—you’re finally honouring yourself.
In our next post, we’ll look at how to turn your vision into grounded, achievable steps so you can begin living it one day at a time.
It’s time for your new chapter—where you’re in charge, living fully, and embracing your future with optimism and strength. Join my free Facebook community, Rebuild Your Life for more support, information, advice and resources!
Read the entire series;
1.BEYOND SURVIVING LIFE WITH AN ALCOHOLIC PARTNER – Part 1
2.BEYOND SURVIVING LIFE WITH AN ALCOHOLIC PARTNER – Part 2
3.BEYOND SURVIVING LIFE WITH AN ALCOHOLIC PARTNER – Part 3