Flex is the fifth stage of my Acceptance FRAMEWORK, focusing on rebuilding confidence through practice. This is where we start gently and consistently exposing ourselves to the thing that we’ve been avoiding. For me, this means I start small like holding on to someone’s arm when crossing a parking-lot. Each time I reach out for someone’s arm for help it sends a message to my brain that I’m managing my disability, it’s normal to hold on to someone, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. These repetitions are brain push-ups, rewiring the brain through neuroplasticity. Confidence doesn’t arrive fully loaded. It’s built through repetition, patience, and support.

Support systems are key. Whether it’s help from a therapist, a walking partner, a support network, or family, the brain learns better with safety and encouragement. I’m not as confident as I look. “Acting-as-if” has been a go-to strategy for me since early sobriety. My addiction therapist once asked me, “Do you ever visualize something going perfectly? Or do you always plan for all the worst scenarios?” I realized that day that I could choose to visualize success. With practice comes rhythm. And rhythm leads to Flow, which is tomorrow’s final stage of my Acceptance FRAMEWORK.

Stay tuned tomorrow for stage 5: Flex.

Fine > Focus > Friction > Framework > Flex > Flow

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This month I'm participating in a fundraiser for vestibular disorders awareness because I know what it’s like to live with something you can’t fully explain and no one can see. Visit my fundraising page: https://s2b.funraise.org/fundraiser/rachel-abbassi

#neuroplasticity #brainrewiring #recoveryjourney #confidenceinprogress #acceptanceframework #mentalhealthsupport #exposuretherapy #sobrietymotivation #healingthroughpractice #invisibleillnesswarrior