GRATITUDE

I wanted to share a bit about gratitude because it has been on my mind today.  This past weekend, as I went for my usual morning walk, I saw many people who are much less fortunate than I am.  Homeless people coming out from wherever they had been to try and keep warm during the night, begging for change to buy a hot cup of coffee or food for their empty stomachs.  I became keenly aware of all that I have to be grateful for.

I am sober today and I no longer have to worry about what I did or said the night before.  I have a roof over my head and food in the fridge.  Although alcohol ultimately took away most of my material possessions, I have found I can survive very nicely without them.  I don’t have the fancy apartment anymore nor all the trappings of a successful life.  But what I do have is much more important to me now.

I have good health and a positive attitude.  I am looking ahead in recovery with a sense of adventure.  I have a loving family and good friends who, despite all the pain and anguish I caused them while I was drinking, continue to offer all of their support and caring.

Yes, I have a lot to be grateful for, and when life gets me down and the feelings of self-pity surface, I just need to remind myself of that morning walk and how much worse life could be.  Although I don’t have a lot, I truly have everything I need.

SC