Grateful for Today

Being in recovery has given me so many blessing. Most of all, it has given me the ability to have a positive outlook on life and my future.

Prior to recovery, I struggled with shame and ruminating thoughts. Whenever something did not work out as I thought it should, I would spend countless hours “ what iffing” the situation. I would waste so much energy running the situation over in my mind. “Well if only I could have, well I should have, if only!”

Today I am so grateful that I have grown spiritually. Sometime in my recovery path, the ruminating thoughts ceased.  I noticed that I no longer obsessed over things beyond my control. I had unconsciously turned all over to my Higher Power and “let go”. What a relief. Today, I am assured that my Higher Power has my best interest at heart. I do not need to know the how or the why of events. I only need to trust that the outcome is going to be the best for me. This does not mean that my life is free of struggles. I just have an opportunity to be willing to trust in my Higher Power and wait to see what will be revealed.

Additionally, in recovery I have learned that I can start my day over anytime I please. Prior to recovery, I would feel stuck in a negative pattern that may last for days or weeks. What a relief to learn that all I had to change was my attitude and that I could change this at anytime. This seems like such a simple concept, but one that was difficult for me to grasp. I am so grateful that I finally became willing to see this as an option to living a happy, healthy, life.

Finally, I am grateful to have the friends that my recovery network has provided. Prior to recovery, I lived in isolation. My life is so full at present. I have friends in recovery that I have a deep connection with. I am able to be a friend and to have friends. These relationships make my life full and for them I am so grateful.

-A Grateful Recovering Dentist