Impactful Monitoring: Where is My Addiction Today?

Every morning, I start my day by asking myself that simple yet powerful question: where is my addiction today?

At first glance, it might sound obsessive. Some people even say to me, “Why keep focusing on addiction? Doesn’t that make it stronger?” But in reality, this question is not about obsession—it’s about awareness and prevention. Addiction, stress, and mental health challenges all thrive in denial, secrecy, and distraction. Without self-reflection, it becomes very easy to slide back into destructive cycles without even realizing it.

For many of us—especially those who are functional in our careers, providing for families, showing up to shifts, and keeping busy—it’s easy to look fine on the outside while struggling silently inside. Blue-collar workers, entrepreneurs, managers—it doesn’t matter the profession. Addiction and unhealthy coping mechanisms don’t discriminate. And sometimes, the people who “hold it together” the most are the ones closest to relapse, burnout, or breakdown.

That’s why this question matters: Where is my addiction today? Or if the word addiction feels too strong, then ask: Where is my stress, my anxiety, or my unhealthy habit today?

The Healing Power of Asking a Question

From a psychological perspective, this practice is called self-monitoring, which is closely tied to metacognition, which means thinking about our own thinking. Neuroscience has shown that when we pause and reflect in this way, we engage the prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain responsible for self-control, decision-making, and long-term planning. This small act of reflection literally strengthens the “muscle” in our brain that helps us resist impulses and make healthier choices.

This morning, when I asked myself the question, I noticed something encouraging: even though I had gone to bed late, I woke up without anxiety. I felt rested, calm, and grounded. I stepped outside and actually noticed the sunshine breaking through after a gloomy, rainy yesterday. A small moment, yes—but these small moments are the ones I used to miss completely when I was trapped in cycles of addiction and mental distress. Back then, my mind was too clouded to see the birds in the trees, the shift in the weather, or the chance to just breathe in a new morning.

These days, the difference is not perfection — it’s awareness. And that awareness is what gives me the freedom to choose differently, one day at a time.

Applying the Lesson

Here’s my challenge to you, whoever you are: Tomorrow morning, before starting your shift, before the rush of the day takes over, pause for just 60 seconds, close your eyes and take a few deep intentional breaths.

Ask yourself honestly: Where is my addiction today? Where is my mental health? Where is my stress level?

You don’t need to journal it, you don’t need to explain it to anyone, and you don’t even need to have the perfect answer. Just check in with yourself. Because awareness is the first step toward change.

And change always begins with one honest question.

If you need support in your recovery journey or dealing with your mental health, get in touch.

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It’s never too late to make a life-changing decision and start dealing with your addiction in a healthier way. Start today.