The holiday season is upon us, as November kicks off the annual month of gratitude. Though Thanksgiving is a day set aside to be thankful for all of life’s blessings, for many, gratitude is a daily part of life. In recovery, it plays a crucial yet seldom talked about role.
In recovery, there are many factors which may not go exactly as planned, as challenges and potential setbacks arise. This is when gratitude—the choice to see and experience the good in all situations—becomes essential. Though this attitude shift is not always easy, here are a few ways to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in your everyday life.
First, recognize that gratitude is a mindset shift. Rather than writing “be grateful” on your checklist for the day, practice thinking about all the things you are thankful for several times throughout the day. Though this will not come naturally at first, with discipline it will become a helpful and life-giving rhythm.
Another important aspect of this shift is instead of focusing on all the things addiction has taken away, think about the opportunities recovery has opened. With hard work and determination, you can step into a new, sober life filled with new possibilities. Your recovery can become a strength you can use to help others overcome their own addictions.
Finally, practice doing kind things for others. In recovery, it can be easy to only focus on your treatment, your struggles, and your situation. Gratitude allows you to focus on others and get out of your head. You will be pleasantly surprised to find that by taking care of someone else, you will instantly feel more hopeful and encouraged in your own life circumstances.
If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, do not hesitate to call us at (888)507-1355 for a free, confidential addiction assessment. Our trained treatment specialists can help create a custom recovery plan suited to your unique needs.
“Everything can be taken from a man or a woman but one thing: the last of human freedoms-to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” -Viktor Frankl, psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor
