Gratitude; the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful.
Grateful; warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received; thankful.
Both definitions are from dictionary.com
Probably from Late Latin grātitūdō which is thankfulness, and again from the Latin grātus which is thankful or pleasing (the above definitions are from dictionary.com).
Most of us in recovery are locked in a selfish and self-centered mindset that inhibits and usually prevents us from having a grateful outlook. Even when things turn out good it is never quite good enough. We are not happy on the inside so being grateful for things that happen outside of us is not common.
The importance of becoming grateful is far greater than most of us can appreciate especially when we are new or resisting recovery. In the beginning, we are often too angry, frustrated, confused…etc. to recognize how vital gratitude is in our lives.
When we stop to think about it no matter the situation most of us will ever be in it is better than the alternative. In other words, sometimes we must be grateful that even though it is not how I would like it to be it is better than it could be or what my actions probably left me open to.
Sometimes recognizing reasons to be grateful is as simple as considering someone who is suffering or going through a trial more difficult than our trial. Sometimes we just must stop being selfish while thinking that the world revolves around me.
We must learn to become grateful or our chance of true long-lasting sobriety will likely not come to us. We need simply to learn to be grateful for the little things and move toward more significant things. As we grow in our recovery then we can begin to appreciate the bigger things as they come to us.
Above take it one day at a time.
Below is a sample Gratitude List. If you do not make a list every day consider starting one today. It will change the way you feel about yourself, others around you, and even the personal situation you are in right now.
Today I am grateful…
- That where I was is not where I am
For soft, warm blankets, sweaters, and jackets - That I am getting more comfortable with the ‘what anyone thinks of me is none of my business’ thing
- That I have my needs supplied today. A warm bed, shelter, adequate clothing, shoes, medicines, sobriety, recovery, hugs,
smiles, songs, laughs, a higher power, people to whom I can say ‘I love you’ and demonstrate it - For rearranged thoughts
My Daily Gratitude Will Determine My Daily Altitude
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Robert Pardon
Robert is the Recovery Guy. Getting clean and sober on April 25, 1986 has given me the insight and practical skill set to not only stay sober, but to also re-invent myself to the person I always wanted to become. Showing others how to do this is my life goal.
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