21 Dec Counting Your Blessings
“We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count.” — Neal A. Maxwell
When we meet a challenge, we’re much more likely to see the glass half-empty than half-full. We tend to focus on what we don’t have. The missed opportunities. The things that don’t go according to plan.
This is certainly true for those in recovery. As you face your daily struggles, it’s easy to forget that every day is part of a lifelong journey. And not every day on this journey will go smoothly.
Beating addiction is never easy. But gratitude — especially for the things and people you may be taking for granted — will give you the strength you need.
Years from now, all those missed opportunities and things that don’t go according to plan will fade into the background. And the important things— your relationships with those who matter the most — will stay with you forever.
As a recovering addict, you know that healing the whole person means you have to be mindful not only of your physical health but also your emotional and spiritual wellbeing. That means you must find ways to enrich your life and maintain a balance.
How do you do that?
- 1. Start with what’s closest to you: your friends and family. The people you love. Build a community around you and you will be uplifted time and again.
- 2. As you head into the new year, take some time for yourself. Reflect on your blessings. Create a gratitude list, and when things get rough, draw strength from this gratitude well.
- 3. There’s one more important aspect to gratitude: Be a blessing to your loved ones in return. Find ways to be a better spouse, parent, sibling or child.
But remember, to be a blessing to others you have to start with yourself. A healthy and balanced lifestyle will not just keep you on track through this journey — it will help you stay grounded.