Wednesday, December 25th
I was surprised when some members began complimenting me on how I had changed. I stopped comparing and despairing.
As we work our recovery, we may occasionally review our progress. We do not need to grade ourselves or compare our recovery to others. We neither gloat about the changes we have made nor groan about our perceived failures. Program wisdom says that we are sometimes the last to notice our progress — not out of a sense of modesty, but we may not see ourselves as others do.
By attending meetings, working the Steps, and doing service, we may experience changes in our behaviors and outlooks. We may discover that our shares have become expressions of gratitude instead of complaints about our lives.
Writing down such reasons to be thankful can support our recovery and give us a sense of joy. We can make a gratitude list and review it often, perhaps daily. Whatever we are grateful for may become affirmations that help us pray and meditate.
Gratitude may become part of our spiritual growth. Sharing this gratitude with others through meetings, socializing, or sponsorship can deepen our sense of intimacy and connection and can inspire other members.
Our gratitude list helps us become aware of our abundant lives.