As this new year begins, cultivating gratitude is more important than ever. This is especially true for those who are in addiction recovery.
Gratitude as a New Way of Living
Gratitude is an attitude of appreciating what is, or what is yet to come. It’s internally acknowledging the blessings that your life already contains, instead of focusing on what we lack.
In active addiction, we may have struggled with the concept of not having enough. The cravings, the endless search for fulfilling our ever-increasing compulsions. The moments of quiet and serenity, as well as contentment, are very few, if not rare. And they are so far in between. This is because in active addiction, our brain is demanding for more and more alcohol or drugs, or more time gambling, and our addiction leaves us desperate. Like we have no choice in the matter.
Everyday, we are faced with a singular drive: “Satisfying our cravings.”
And so, it seems impossible to do anything else. To be anything else. It’s hard to notice and cherish the things that we already have. Instead, it takes so long to recalibrate our minds and attitudes on things that are worth our attention and appreciation.
Exercising the Attitude of Gratitude
Gratitude is like a muscle. We need to exercise it to keep on using it. With training and constant practice, gratitude can become a habit that allows us to easily and readily see things in a different light. It allows us to see the beauty and purpose in even the direst situations.
So how can we exercise our gratitude muscle to strengthen it?
It starts by intention. We intentionally notice and appreciate whatever we see. This goes for even the littlest things.
Some even keep a gratitude journal or keep a list of things they are grateful for everyday. This habit is crucial to develop especially for those who are recovering from addiction.
Drawing the Best in People with Gratitude
While in active addiction, we may have found ourselves quarreling with our family and with people who care about us the most. We take for granted these people in our search for what we value most at the time: getting high.
Now, as you move to the new year and deliberately manifest gratitude, you see not only the best in every situation. You also see the best in people.
Transitioning to Recovery Through Gratitude
While recovering from years of drug, alcohol, and other kinds of addiction doesn’t happen overnight, gratitude helps make it better.
Your path to recovery can be paved and made strong with the attitude of gratitude, and what better way than to start now, in the new year?
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