Perhaps no movie boasts a higher number of fans of multiple generations than Star Wars. Released in 1977, the science fiction tale of good vs. evil has enjoyed a hardcore fan base and a host of sequels. Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and other characters lead the quest through outer space to defeat the dark side. Many lines from the original film remained quotable and became a part of the American lexicon.
Having inspirational phrases and ideals proves helpful when it comes to recovering from an addiction to alcohol and drugs. The same goes for dealing with mental health diagnoses that challenge those living with them.
While many books, websites, and other resources provide helpful phrasing, sometimes a person can derive inspiration from less than obvious places. A good example is some of the most famous dialogue from Star Wars.
“Do or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda
Everyone’s favorite little green Jedi Master proved a masterful teacher for Luke Skywalker. With this quote, he knew what he was talking about! When a challenge in recovery from addiction or mental health issues arises, attitude matters. While one cannot always guarantee success at any given task, how one approaches it can influence the outcome.
For example, the goal may be to get through a family event where other guests might drink alcohol. Approaching this with the attitude “I’m going to try to do this” leaves room for failure. Instead, the person can say to themselves, “I will get through the evening without drinking.” This way, they walk in the door with a positive attitude. They state their goal as something they will accomplish rather than a potential outcome.
“I find your lack of faith disturbing.” – Darth Vader
While Vader provides the dark side of the space-based storyline, his comment can apply as a hopeful sentiment. Recovery from an addiction requires a host of steps to follow, and success also comes from an emotional place. Developing faith in oneself and believing that recovery is possible doesn’t typically come easily, but it is vital to the process.
When a person stumbles in their progress, it can help ask themselves if they have faith in their ability to accomplish their goals. They may be climbing a metaphorical staircase, sometimes shrouded in darkness but having faith that the next step is there counts for a lot. Each time another step is taken, the person can remind themselves that having faith can motivate them through the long haul.
“Never tell me the odds!” – Han Solo
Han Solo famously fussed at droid C-3PO for telling Han how dim the possibility was that he could escape his enemies in an asteroid field. Han made a great point that doing something difficult can be easier to accomplish if you don’t go into it with self-defeating information. Well-meaning people may tell someone who is dealing with an addiction that the odds of maintaining sobriety the first time are low. If a person carries that prediction in their head, they may doom themselves.
Similarly, a person who lives with a mental illness may hear how difficult it is to manage their symptoms. While there may be truth to that statement, that doesn’t mean they can’t beat the odds. With the proper treatment, an attitude of being able to accomplish things can go a long way. Focusing on gloomy odds can contribute to failure, making it necessary not to develop that habit.
“May the force be with you.”
A phrase uttered by many characters, it is a rallying cry of good wishes. The force is a positive energy that heroes in the storyline wish to harness as they do battle. The phrase is also a way of wishing someone well or hoping they have good luck. When it comes to entering and maintaining sobriety or learning to cope with a mental health issue, a “force” of sorts can be accessed.
What this means to each person may vary, but ultimately they are acknowledging the presence of a positive force outside of themselves. Dealing with sobriety and mental health issues is a long-term process. It is even more advantageous to feel an outside force accompanying them during difficult times.
A correlation can be drawn between “the force” and spirituality, but it doesn’t have to be the same. Defining “the force” as “good vibrations,” “luck,” or a manifestation of a person’s desires can work, too.
Millions of people count themselves as huge fans of the epic film Star Wars. Some of the most famous movie quotes come from the original film in the series. Using some of them to fuel a positive attitude in recovery can help a great deal. The Detox Center of Colorado provides an intimate setting in the idyllic Denver area for our patients to begin their recovery. We offer professional medical and psychological supervision for those in need of detoxification due to addiction to alcohol and drugs. We work with patients addicted to alcohol, heroin, methamphetamines, cocaine, opioids, prescription pills, and other narcotics. We also offer aid in coping with co-occurring diagnoses related to mental health issues. We are a place where those struggling with chemical dependency and co-occurring disorders can decide what comes next with professional, compassionate guidance. Our small residential facility provides you with a safe place to land and begin your recovery. Call us today to find out how we can help you become a real “force” in recovery and start the healing process! (303) 952-5035.
