15. Thankfulness
May 17th, 2008 by Bruce M
If one could only learn to appreciate the little things…
A song that takes you away, for there are those who cannot hear. The beauty of a sunset, for there are those who cannot see. The warmth and safety of your home, for there are those who are homeless. Time spent with good friends for there are those who are lonely. A walk along the beach for there are those who cannot walk. The little things are what life is all about. Search your soul and learn to appreciate.–Shadi Souferian
defined as: 1 : conscious of benefit received… 2 : expressive of thanks… 3 : well pleased : glad…
If I can create a new belief about the benefits of recovery, I can create a new attitude of gratitude. My behaviors then become a consistent act of thankfulness. What makes me express my gratefulness so different from before I got clean? What are the characteristics of a thankful heart? I feel a big part of my recovery is displayed when no one is there to watch me. My determination is more evident to me, when I am alone with myself and my higher power. A grateful heart delights in thanksgiving. I can not measure my thankfulness by others - even if they seem to be more spiritual or better versed in their recovery. It is important for me to be prompt in my thankfulness. Was I blessed in some way today in my recovery? I need to give thanks immediately for them gifts! Did the love and support of others protect me today? I try to show thanks to them immediately. Did some act of kindness lead me? I give thanks for the opportunity on the spot. I can’t wait until some scheduled prayer time or until I go to a meeting - or when people can see and hear me. Sometimes it is appropriate to be intense with my thankfulness. I am not satisfied at times with a shaking-of-the-hand kind of thanks. My expression needs to be heard and with a loud voice. But I am careful when I do this, not to show off or to attract attention. I want the world to know the intensity of my gratitude - I do not want that to be a secret. I must show my humility. By expressing my thankfulness, I am saying, without that love, and the grace that was given to me, I am nothing. I alone get loaded. We together stay clean. Finally, a heart of thankfulness carries with it, its own blessings. When I express my appreciation, I receive a special spiritual blessing on top of my healing in recovery. The belief of my value in life is enhanced. I am not a survivor of life , but a liver of life. I can not put material value on this. Today I try to give thanks at all times and in all things. Thank you for my clean time!!!
Love and Respect, Bruce M.
