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The more good things you fill your life with, the less space you have left over for negative thoughts, deeds, or actions. It is easy during recovery—when our eyes are turned toward our failures and our hopes toward sobriety—to become lost in self-preoccupation and unhealthy introspection. After all, depending on our medicated self to “figure it all out” has been our modus operandi for a long time, even though it has cheated us out of the life we really wanted. We realize once again that the all-powerful, lying self can only offer cheap anesthesia for a fleeting moment. The important thing is that you learn how to focus on what’s important in the now rather than stressing about the past or future.
Why is gratitude important in recovery?
A grateful approach allows you to take on challenges with a positive mindset. For instance, rather than viewing relapse as a failure, you can see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. This perspective can help you stay motivated and committed to your recovery goals, even when times are tough.
“Practice gratitude” is one of those platitudes that seems like it belongs in script on a wall next to Live, Laugh, Love. And while it may sound a bit “hippie” and spiritual, this valuable practice is strongly encouraged by most therapists and counselors. In particular, individuals are urged to practice gratitude in recovery.
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Understanding the positives that sobriety brings and equally recognizing the harm substance abuse causes in all aspects of life are traits strengthened by gratitude. A grateful person knows sobriety is essential to healing the harm caused by addiction to themselves and to others. Sometimes addiction can even lead to imagined negative situations, like believing friends and family who just want to help are against you. This self-centered thought process is the opposite of gratitude, which would help you see your loved ones are trying to show they care and want to help. Many studies support the use of gratitude to improve outcomes for people in recovery from drug or alcohol use disorder.
So, if you’re looking for a way to boost your recovery, start by practicing gratitude. In the often-turbulent journey of addiction recovery, feelings of gratitude can play an important role in helping you feel secure and connected. On the one hand, gratitude arises from within, helping you focus on and appreciate your own experiences instead of projecting those experiences outwards onto others. By cultivating an attitude of gratitude for your inner resources and qualities, you give yourself a foundation of strength that can help you weather difficult times. When you first start practicing gratitude, it’ll take some time to make it a regular habit.
The Importance of Expressing Gratitude During your Recovery
If someone is a positive influence on your life, it will make all the difference when you’re exploring yourself and growing into the person you aspire to be. It’s difficult to be grateful for everything if you’re constantly working and struggling. Many people jump out of recovery and into trying to get their life back on track, which may include long hours at a job, spending time with children, or even going back to school. No matter what you’re doing with your life, it’s also important that you take the time to create space and moments for yourself to just relax and do things that make you happy without drugs or alcohol.
Practicing gratitude is more than just mailing a thank you letter. To practice daily gratitude means viewing the https://ecosoberhouse.com/ world through a lens of appreciation. This becomes evident in your interactions with others throughout the day.
The benefits of gratitude in recovery
Your progress is an achievement, and you can only appreciate the good when you acknowledge the bad. Gratitude can be practiced anytime, anywhere – and it doesn’t cost gratitude in recovery a penny. But learning to pay attention to the good things that surround you every day can be one of the most valuable tools for your recovery from addiction.
In one study, the researcher evaluated a group of treatment participants and some staff members for psychological traits, coping skills, gratitude, and other factors. Other studies have also shown that practicing gratitude can lead to increased feelings of well-being and a more positive outlook in life. It can also be an incredibly powerful tool for growth and healing.
Opens the Door to Positive Emotions
If you’re having difficulty staying clean or battling cravings, it might be best to seek help at a reputable drug rehab center. Recovery Centers of America has drug rehab locations across the country that offer various evidence-based treatment options, including detox, individual and group therapy, and more. Expressing gratitude can also encourage you to strive for improvement, as it reminds you of what you have already achieved and demonstrates how much more you can accomplish.