Overcoming Addiction, Finding Faith & Living Authentically w/Bethany Jetter & Braiden Belnap

Summary:

In this powerful episode of Journey to Authenticity, Bethany Jetter shares her incredible story of overcoming addiction and hardship, finding hope, and reclaiming her life. While Bethany's personal journey is inspiring, this blog will focus on actionable steps you can take to overcome your struggles and live more authentically. Whether you’re battling addiction, facing difficult circumstances, or simply seeking a deeper sense of self-acceptance, the path to transformation and authenticity is within your reach.

Step 1: Acknowledge Where You Are

The first step to overcoming any challenge is to be honest with yourself about where you are in life. Whether you're struggling with addiction, mental health, unhealthy relationships, or other obstacles, acknowledging the reality of your situation is the foundation of change.

How to Acknowledge Your Situation:

- Self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your current situation. What are the main struggles or obstacles in your life? Are there habits, environments, or relationships that are holding you back?

- Write it down: Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-awareness. Writing down your thoughts helps clarify your feelings and gives you a concrete way to confront your current reality.

Action Tip:

Spend 15 minutes today writing in a journal about where you feel stuck or unfulfilled in life. Be honest with yourself—this is a safe space to explore your thoughts.

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Step 2: Accept Responsibility for Change

Once you’ve acknowledged your struggles, the next step is accepting responsibility for your growth. While external factors might contribute to your challenges, real transformation begins when you take ownership of your life and commit to change.

How to Take Responsibility:

- Stop blaming others:Shifting blame to others for your circumstances only keeps you stuck. While others might have played a role, focus on what you can do to change your situation.

- Embrace self-compassion: Taking responsibility isn’t about blaming yourself—it’s about empowering yourself to take action. Be kind to yourself in the process, understanding that everyone makes mistakes and faces challenges.

Action Tip:

Identify one area in your life where you’ve been deflecting responsibility. Write down three specific actions you can take to begin shifting that area in a positive direction.

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Step 3: Set Clear Intentions for the Future

To break free from the past and step into an authentic life, you need a clear vision of where you want to go. Setting intentions gives you a roadmap for the future and helps you stay focused on what matters most.

How to Set Intentions:

- Focus on your values: Ask yourself, what kind of life do I want to lead? What values or principles are most important to me? Your intentions should align with your core beliefs and desires.

- Be specific: General goals like “I want to be happy” are too vague to guide your actions. Instead, focus on specific outcomes like “I want to improve my mental health by practicing meditation and seeking therapy.”

Action Tip:

Write down three intentions for your life moving forward. These should reflect the kind of person you want to become and the life you want to create.

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Step 4: Cultivate a Positive Support System

Breaking free from difficult circumstances, addiction, or past trauma often requires the support of others. Surrounding yourself with people who uplift and encourage you is essential for long-term growth and healing.

How to Build a Support System:

Identify supportive relationships:Reflect on the people in your life. Who genuinely supports your growth? Who challenges you in a positive way? These are the people to keep close.
Seek out new communities:If your current environment or relationships aren’t supportive, consider seeking out new groups or communities. Whether it’s a church group, recovery program, or online support community, finding people who share your values and experiences can make a huge difference.

Action Tip:

Identify at least one person or group that can serve as a positive influence in your life. Reach out to them, whether to reconnect or to share your journey and intentions.

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Step 5: Forgive Yourself and Others

Forgiveness is a crucial part of healing and living authentically. Whether it’s forgiving yourself for past mistakes or forgiving others for their wrongdoings, letting go of resentment and guilt allows you to move forward with a lighter heart.

How to Practice Forgiveness:

- Self-forgiveness: Reflect on past mistakes or decisions you’ve been holding onto. Remind yourself that you are human, and making mistakes is part of the journey. Practice self-compassion and release guilt or shame.

- Forgiving others:Holding onto anger or resentment towards others only keeps you emotionally tied to your past. Acknowledge the hurt, but make the conscious decision to forgive and let go for your own peace.

Action Tip:

Write a letter to yourself or someone else, expressing forgiveness for past hurts. You don’t have to send it, but getting your feelings out in writing can help release emotional burdens.

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Step 6: Embrace Faith or Spiritual Practices

For many people, faith or spirituality plays a vital role in healing and transformation. Whether it’s through organized religion, meditation, or simply connecting with something greater than yourself, spirituality can provide a sense of purpose, guidance, and peace.

How to Incorporate Spiritual Practices:

- Daily reflection or prayer: Setting aside time each day for reflection, prayer, or meditation can help you stay grounded and connected to your higher purpose.

-Explore different spiritual practices: If you don’t already have a spiritual practice, consider exploring different avenues. Whether it’s attending a religious service, practicing yoga, or spending time in nature, find what resonates with you.

Action Tip:

Dedicate at least 10 minutes each day to a spiritual practice that feels meaningful to you, whether it’s prayer, meditation, or another form of reflection.

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Step 7: Take Small, Consistent Steps Toward GrowthTransformation doesn’t happen overnight. The key to overcoming your struggles and living authentically is taking small, consistent steps toward growth. By committing to daily action, you can create lasting change over time.

How to Take Action:

- Start small: Instead of trying to make drastic changes all at once, focus on small, achievable actions. Over time, these small actions build momentum.

- Stay committed:Growth is a lifelong process. There will be setbacks, but the key is to stay committed to your journey and keep moving forward, even when it gets tough.

Action Tip:

Choose one small habit that aligns with your intentions, such as journaling each morning, practicing gratitude, or spending 5 minutes in quiet reflection. Commit to practicing this habit every day for the next 30 days.

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Final Thoughts

The journey to authenticity and personal transformation isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. By acknowledging your current struggles, taking responsibility for your life, and setting clear intentions for the future, you can begin the process of overcoming adversity and creating a life rooted in truth and self-acceptance.

Remember, healing and growth take time, but every step you take brings you closer to the authentic life you deserve. Stay committed to the journey, lean on your support system, and keep moving forward with hope and determination. You have the power to transform your life—one step at a time.

Connect with us!

• Bethany’s Instagram Business : https://www.instagram.com/royalty.beautybybethany/

• Bethany’s Instagram Personal : https://www.instagram.com/repairerofbrokenwalls/

• Braiden’s Website: https://www.braidenbelnap.com/

• Braiden’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braidenbelnap/

• Braiden’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BraidenBelnap

• Braiden’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@braidenbelnap

•Braiden’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braiden-belnap-09075a146/