Gratitude is not just one thought that comes into a person’s brain. Rather gratitude consists of adapting a state of mind that becomes an integral part of the body, the mind, and the soul. The definition of gratitude is the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for. Having a mentality of gratefulness can help someone enjoy their life with more ease.
A person who abuses drugs and alcohol becomes incapable of appreciating what they have. Entitlement, self-centeredness, and fear all take the place of gratitude when someone develops a substance abuse disorder. The brain becomes more focused on getting the next fix instead of thinking about the things that are truly gratifying.
Having gratitude in recovery, therefore, is really important. Without having something to be grateful for, you will most likely drink or use again because you are concentrating on how bad your life is. By focusing on the circumstances that are going right in your life, you are more apt to become optimistic and develop better coping skills to deal with the situations that life will continue throw at you. In these scenarios, there are a couple of methods you can try that may better guide you in measuring your gratitude in sobriety.
Change your mind
Your mind is one of the biggest obstacles that can keep you from being grateful for what you have. Implement a gratitude list into your daily routine or journal about how gratitude continues to infiltrate your life, so you are constantly reminded how good your life has become in sobriety.
Say thank you
Thanking your Higher Power throughout the day for the big and small things you encounter, can help you to become more positive in your thoughts and with your words. Showing thankfulness to the people around you makes them feel valuable which will make you feel wonderful by taking the action.
Gratitude helps to make life become more bearable and offers a beacon of hope that you will be just fine in your sobriety. By being grateful, you can appreciate what you have been handed in recovery.
Serenity Oaks Wellness Center can show you to stay sober from with drugs and alcohol. Once you are done with our 5-week program, we want to encourage you to continue with your recovery for the long haul. Our THRIVE Alumni Mentor Program can give you the tools that you need to maintain your sobriety. Call our 24-hour hotline: 1-305-783-8896
