Gratitude Turns What We Have Into Enough🙏
As we near the end of the year, it’s natural to reflect on the ups and downs we’ve experienced. For those of us in recovery, this reflection often brings mixed emotions—joy for milestones reached, pain for setbacks faced, and perhaps uncertainty about what lies ahead. Wherever you find yourself today, there’s one powerful mindset that can transform your perspective: gratitude.
Finding Gratitude in the Ups and Downs
Life is a tapestry of highs and lows. The joyful moments remind us why we keep pushing forward, while the challenging ones teach us lessons we might not learn otherwise. Gratitude doesn’t erase the hard times, but it does give us the strength to see them differently.
Think about the struggles you’ve faced this year. What did they teach you? Perhaps you learned how resilient you are. Perhaps you found unexpected support from a friend or family member. Even in moments of darkness, there’s often a small light waiting to be acknowledged.
Freedom: A Gift We Often Overlook
The other day, I came across a YouTube reel that stopped me in my tracks. It showed North Koreans at a public mourning event, sobbing uncontrollably—not from genuine sadness, but out of fear. Fear that if they didn’t cry “enough,” they could be sent to prison. It was a chilling reminder of how precious our freedoms are.
In this country, we have the freedom to make choices about our lives, seek help when we need it, and express ourselves openly. These freedoms might seem small in the grand scheme of things, but they’re monumental when compared to what many people around the world endure.
Today, let’s take a moment to be grateful for the liberties we often take for granted—the freedom to pursue recovery, to heal, and to build a better future.
Celebrating Milestones
To those who have reached new milestones in your sobriety this year: congratulations. Whether it’s one day or one decade, every step matters. Your journey is a testament to your strength, courage, and commitment to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come. Celebrate the small victories as much as the big ones. Each one is a building block to the life you’re creating.
Hope for Those Still Struggling
If you’ve relapsed or are still struggling, know this: as long as there is life, there is hope. Recovery is not a straight line—it’s a journey with twists, turns, and detours. What matters is your willingness to keep moving forward.
Start by thinking about one thing you’re grateful for, no matter how small. Gratitude can be the spark that reignites your hope and helps you take the next step. Remember these words I found online while doing research for this article:
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” Anonymous author.
You are enough. Your journey matters. And there’s always time to rewrite the story.
A Simple Gratitude Practice
Gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a practice. Here’s a simple exercise to try today:
Write down three things you’re grateful for. They can be big (your sobriety, your family) or small (a sunny day, your favorite song).
Reflect on why these things matter to you.
Share your gratitude with someone else. Tell a loved one you appreciate them, or simply thank a coworker for their support.
In Closing
Gratitude has the power to change how we see our lives. It helps us find meaning in our struggles, joy in our victories, and hope for the future.
As we move forward, let’s carry gratitude with us—not just as a feeling, but as a way of life. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or starting over, gratitude can be the bridge that connects where you are now to the life you want to build.
From all of us at Asana Recovery, we’re grateful for you. Keep fighting, keep growing, and never forget that you’re not alone. And we wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
Trivia Question:
Which U.S. state was the first to officially adopt Thanksgiving as an annual holiday? And what year did this happen?
Instructions:
Think you know the answer? Email your response to david@asanarecovery.com for a chance to win a $25 gift card! 🎉 Winners can choose between Amazon, Uber, or DoorDash.
(Remember, only correct answers win!) 🦃✨