Living in Sobriety Part 2
Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 18,299
20. Gratitude is a critical mindset.
Gratitude is so powerful that it can almost keep you clean and sober all by itself.
That’s because gratitude is an attitude, or a mindset. It is a lens through which you see the world; a positive spin that you can put on any situation.
For most recovering addicts, the point of relapse is preceded by a little switch in their mind that–after that switch is flipped–they say “screw it.”
Screw it, I’m just going to get high. Screw it, I’m just going to drink. Screw it, nothing matters anyway. This is the point of no return. This is the point of relapse.
Gratitude is prevention against this fatal mindset. Gratitude protects you from saying “screw it.”
Gratitude is actually a prayer. Most people do not realize this. Giving thanks, whether to your higher power or just to the universe in general, is actually a prayer offering. It is a deep and holy sense of well being and thankfulness for existence itself. This is the power of gratitude…that it can rewire your brain for a positive outlook on life.
Practicing gratitude on a daily basis is a powerful recovery strategy. Use it.
Gratitude is so powerful that it can almost keep you clean and sober all by itself.
That’s because gratitude is an attitude, or a mindset. It is a lens through which you see the world; a positive spin that you can put on any situation.
For most recovering addicts, the point of relapse is preceded by a little switch in their mind that–after that switch is flipped–they say “screw it.”
Screw it, I’m just going to get high. Screw it, I’m just going to drink. Screw it, nothing matters anyway. This is the point of no return. This is the point of relapse.
Gratitude is prevention against this fatal mindset. Gratitude protects you from saying “screw it.”
Gratitude is actually a prayer. Most people do not realize this. Giving thanks, whether to your higher power or just to the universe in general, is actually a prayer offering. It is a deep and holy sense of well being and thankfulness for existence itself. This is the power of gratitude…that it can rewire your brain for a positive outlook on life.
Practicing gratitude on a daily basis is a powerful recovery strategy. Use it.
Miracles Happen
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 9,977
Gracious Stoney 
Went to my meeting and there was a mother there who brought her 13 yr old daughter and her 14 yr old friend. Seems they got smashed and their mom as punishment brought them to an AA meeting. It was a open speaker so they got to hear someone's story. They were soo cute. I thought it was a good idea, I mean they are so young and not saying they are alkies but the AA seed has been planted at a young age and they heard what could happen. I wonder what would have happened if I had been brought into the rooms at 15 when I started drinking, I probably would have said "these people are messed up". I did think it was a good punishment, but I would have gone for detox at a hospital.
Went to my meeting and there was a mother there who brought her 13 yr old daughter and her 14 yr old friend. Seems they got smashed and their mom as punishment brought them to an AA meeting. It was a open speaker so they got to hear someone's story. They were soo cute. I thought it was a good idea, I mean they are so young and not saying they are alkies but the AA seed has been planted at a young age and they heard what could happen. I wonder what would have happened if I had been brought into the rooms at 15 when I started drinking, I probably would have said "these people are messed up". I did think it was a good punishment, but I would have gone for detox at a hospital.
Miracles Happen
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 9,977
Wow Stoney, you're workin it I see. I do have alot of gratitude, even though I get upset the gratitude is still there. For me drinking is NOT an option. My mind is not allowed to go there. There will be no coming back. I just like to sit in my sh*t every once in awhile, this too shall pass and I know that. I'm good.
Thanks for the prayers IO. I know that when I have a hard time praying, he listens to my heart and continues to use me to do his will. I read that in a prayer along time ago and I love it because I know its true.
Ann posted this prayer a while ago I don't remember the thread. I keep it because I really love it.
My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think that I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have the desire
in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do
anything apart from that desire
and I know that if I do this
you will lead me by the right road
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore, will I trust you always
though I may seem to be lost
and in the shadow of death,
I will not fear,
for you are ever with me.
And you will never leave me
to face my perils alone.
...Thomas Merton
I love this prayer and am so glad she posted it.
Thanks for the prayers IO. I know that when I have a hard time praying, he listens to my heart and continues to use me to do his will. I read that in a prayer along time ago and I love it because I know its true.
Ann posted this prayer a while ago I don't remember the thread. I keep it because I really love it.
My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think that I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have the desire
in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do
anything apart from that desire
and I know that if I do this
you will lead me by the right road
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore, will I trust you always
though I may seem to be lost
and in the shadow of death,
I will not fear,
for you are ever with me.
And you will never leave me
to face my perils alone.
...Thomas Merton
I love this prayer and am so glad she posted it.
Miracles Happen
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 9,977
Ro I miss you :ghug3
Just got a call from my sponsor, a friend from program 32 yrs old male, died on Father's Day problems with liver. He had gone back out. Very, very sad. Also, my sponsee has not yet returned my calls or texts and that makes me sad. Her husband answered phone and said she can't come to phone.
Just got a call from my sponsor, a friend from program 32 yrs old male, died on Father's Day problems with liver. He had gone back out. Very, very sad. Also, my sponsee has not yet returned my calls or texts and that makes me sad. Her husband answered phone and said she can't come to phone.
Sober since 9th May 2008
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 2,973
Always scares me when I hear of someone going so young.
How many of us are basically lucky to still be here ?
I abused alcohol for 4 years longer than age 32.
If we were in any doubt as to whether this is the right path.
How many of us are basically lucky to still be here ?
I abused alcohol for 4 years longer than age 32.
If we were in any doubt as to whether this is the right path.
Miracles Happen
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 9,977
You are right Fizz, we are so lucky to be here sober today. Its sad because you meet people and develop friendships with them, and being in the same boat you know what its like and want everyone to get it. I can't question why anymore. Some people just can't help it or think this time it will be different. And being around you see and are reminded daily what happens when they pick up again. So so sad. I look at my kids, my son is 22 and daughter is 20, people close to their ages are dying because of their disease, cutting their lives short. I said earlier in post, my own mom was 29 years old, 6 young children and her life ended because of it. I'm almost double her age right now.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: massachusetts
Posts: 2,216
You know, as I read, I think "oh, I have to remember to respond to "that", or "hmmm, that makes me think of "this". When I first logged on this a.m., it was motorcycles and alcoholism, now I'm "getting" gratitude. I loved that quote by Merton. I have heard of him b4...maybe I'll pick up some of his stuff...I like the way he thinks. I was JUST having a conversation with someone (not an alkie) about this very thing (gratitude) and trusting in God's higher purpose for each of us. How our "wills" are counterproductive. Then I came on here...it always gives me the willies when I see themes running through my day, with different people and in vastly different situations. But willies in a good way. To me, the "mystery" of life is comforting. BECAUSE I don't (and know with certainty that I can't) understand everything proves to me that I am just a speck, being guided by an unseen hand. And that leads me back to awe and that brings me to faith that all will be well. Full circle.
PS: Hi Stoney and IO!!!
PS: Hi Stoney and IO!!!
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