Thanksgiving and Gratitude

For many of us, living beyond recovery, holidays may be difficult and bring up old feelings.  It is easy to "slip" back into the old experiences and even expect having a difficult time.  So, like Dr. Phil, I ought to ask you that big question: "And how is that working for you?"

Thanksgiving is truly an opportunity to recharge our "Gratitude battery."  Whatever your situation currently is, reconnecting to your sense of gratitude will elevate your sense of well-being and make your day a better one.  It is true that when we are in an emotional rut, feeling better may not seem to be a possibility.  But the truth is that we do have a choice.  We are NOT powerless over the way we feel.  Of course, if you'd rather have a rotten day and feel miserable, I am confident you'll know how to do that just fine.

For those of you who would rather have a great day but feel a bit nervous about it, here are a few pointers to help you strengthen your attitude and enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday:

• Think of the way your life used to be before your recovery, when you were in addiction mode.  Take the time to remember how you used to feel about yourself, about your life in general, what you used to do to abuse yourself.  Now, look at the way your life is today, the way you have grown and how fortunate you are to be in recovery.  This should be taking you to a deep place of gratitude right away. If it doesn't, maybe it is time to reach out for help again.
  
• Reach out and help someone less fortunate than you.  Go volunteer at a soup kitchen in your area.  This will do it, I assure you.
  
• If you are spending time with family and this is a source of tension for you, think of the "uncomfortable" comments they might make as "passing logs" on a river bed.  Just watch them slide gently by you.  It works for me to stay emotionally disengaged.  Remember that people say and do what they say and do for their own reasons.  You do not have to adopt their reasons as yours.  Just witness and let go gently, with love.
  
• The day before the event, write a new gratitude list and when you think you are done, just add 10 or more additional items on it.  Take that list with you and read through it several times during the day.
  
• Know that you can train and recondition your mind.  When the "nasty" inner voice comes in and starts bringing you down, just say "no."   That voice is not who you are, it is just an old tape you recorded in the past.  You can choose not to listen to it and give into it.  YOU are the master of your mind.
  
• Share your gratitude with someone and make a decision to be highly contagious with your good energy and positive attitude.

Happy Thanksgiving!