Developing Gratitude

[TheBlueWolf]

Gratitude.
For many addicts, there is a list of character defects that are quite negative. Addicts are selfish and self seeking, prone to self pity, morbid reflection and with an unjustified sense of pride and ego. Bitterness, resentment, fear and anger fuel the obsession for misuse of substances and justification, to them at least, that their continued misuse will fill a temporary void and desire to continue using. A list of problems within their lives, at home, at work and in social enviroments keeps them enslaved to the very thing which causes most of their problems. In that regard an addict is very much unable to see the forest for all the trees.
When in recovery an addict needs to stay grounded and out of the 'self' which had trapped them for so long. To become grateful is to learn to be happy for the things one has, rather than has not. A modest income, somewhere to live, regular meals; that is not always guaranteed while using. Recovery becomes a jigsaw puzzle where life becomes more stable and secure and need to be looked upon in a more modest light. Of course, a pay rise, promotion and somewhere better to live may become part of a persons ambition, but to lose sight of what is available now, and to enjoy it, is to miss out on what life is offering today.