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Our free, confidential telephone consultation will help you find the best treatment program for you. We can also guide you in approaching a loved one who needs treatment. It’s an attitude of appreciation where we internally acknowledge the blessings that our life already contains, and we shift our focus away from what we lack. Your positive attitude ends up helping others who are just starting their recovery journey, and in turn becomes a gift to many. Get a jar of any kind and when something good happens write it on a strip of paper and put it in the jar.
- An overwhelming sense of thankfulness for this new life flowed into us and made us begin to experience a feeling of gratitude that our previous lives lacked.
- These poisonous feelings served to strengthen our addiction’s grip on us.
- Without it, you may struggle with ego or dissatisfaction, which can lead to relapse.
- Items could include something as simple as the cup of coffee you have to help jump-start your day, or as personal as the loved one who hasn’t given up on you through all the hard times.
- Writing these thoughts down or saying them aloud can even help you stay positive during difficult times.
- Gratitude truly is for everyone, but it is so powerful for those struggling through recovery.
These dark and clouded thoughts can take a negative situation and make it worse. When you make that shift into a grateful mindset you radiate a very attractive and influential positivity. On the simplest level, gratitude is an appreciation for the good things in your life, even if they might seem insignificant at first glance. Volunteering or being in service is one of the best ways to begin to get grateful.
How to Practice Gratitude in Recovery
Gratitude is a muscle that develops with training and practice, and when we make a habit of appreciating the better qualities in life, we strengthen that muscle in our mind. When that muscle grows strong enough, we will reflexively notice the good, and we will see something’s benefits before its real or imaginary drawbacks and limitations. Another way to practice gratitude is to shift the tone of your conversations to eliminate self-blame. Instead of responding to questions with “I’m sorry,” or worse, using “I’m sorry” as a greeting, like “I’m sorry I’m late,” or “I’m sorry for taking so long to email you,” say “thank you” instead. Learning about the forms of negative thinking can prepare you to combat them with a dose of gratitude. Negative thinking can become so pervasive that it begins to impact all parts of your life.
We all know that there are obstacles and bad days that arise along the way. With gratitude in recovery, however, you can learn to move past them. You can be grateful for the opportunity to change, to heal, and for the immense support around you. With gratitude, you can regain the strength and momentum needed to work towards your goals. If you are in recovery or have a loved one working the steps, though, it’s likely that gratitude is more of a daily than an annual recognition.
How Gratitude Benefits Social Health and Connection
Positive thinking and a positive outlook can influence behavior and aid in leading a sustainable recovery-oriented life. Those suffering from substance abuse or addiction tend to show signs of depression, and are self-centered, only thinking of their own needs. With gratitude importance of gratitude in recovery comes a less selfish attitude so they can focus their attention on others. Practicing gratitude in recovery helps people to become more optimistic, have more in control of their lives, and be less stressed. Cleaning up the wreckage of our past can be extremely difficult.
In treatment, you will learn to incorporate practices that help you as obstacles arise. Gratitude is one key that you can use to unlock new depths of joy in your recovery process. Addiction strips away all the good things in life; health, happiness, contentment https://ecosoberhouse.com/ … you name it. Taking a moment to think about something good you have now can serve as a reminder of how far you’ve come since your addiction. Remembering the way your life was when you were addicted doesn’t have to drudge up feelings of regret or sadness.