RecoveryWise

Most people might look at my life and think “Wow, he must be miserable.”  On the contrary, my life couldn’t be better!

Just a quick recap for folks who may be joining the regularly scheduled broadcast already in progress:

I’ve been an alcoholic for over 35 years.  In May of 2016 I got sober; by going to jail.  I resided a VA inpatient treatment facility for just over 1 year.

I had the option of going anywhere in the country!  That’s because my Probation Officer knew I was doing the right things.  She had removed ALL obstacles to my being able to go anywhere I wanted to continue with my new life.

Although I was destitute, homeless, and without many friends or family, I was more rich than I have been in years!  I no longer drink and live in chaos.

I no longer spend all my paycheck on boozing–and sometimes illicit drugs.  I no longer have to worry if my co-workers and customers can smell booze on my breath.

I am no longer in a terribly abusive relationship.  I am no longer filled with anxiety and dread.  I am no longer hungover everyday, anxious to begin drinking again later on.  I am no longer sad, worried, angry, frustrated.  I am no longer in the grips of the legal system.

No, today I can actually use the words “I’m happy!”  Wow!  I can’t remember when I have used those two words to describe my state!  Would I like to be out on my own doing my own thing?  Of course I would.

However, today I have ACCEPTANCE in my life.  I am learning to accept the things I cannot change.  I am learning to accept life on life’s terms.

As a result, I am much more peaceful and contented than I have been in many, many years.  Although there are many approaches to sobriety, for me there are two GOLDEN WORDS that have made all the difference as I transition through this recovery:  ACCEPTANCE and GRATITUDE.

I can’t really describe what these two simple words have meant to me in this journey.  They have made all the difference in the world.