GRATITUDE MONTH: DAY 2: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ― John F. Kennedy
If I tell you I am grateful for you, but then do not treat you well; it will not be an authentic representation of my gratitude.
Gratitude has to wear its boots. If we don’t walk in gratitude, the kind that shows the world we are grateful for blessings (AND, it is ALL a blessing!); then we are not authentic.
From that point on, no one is going to hear what I say in their heart. They will know that I am still not entirely honest.
To live by my words of gratitude means I am not going to complain or whine about this amazing life I am given. I will learn to walk with joy and love, because I know I am blessed beyond belief. I will learn to walk like I have spiritual principles and live by them.
I will walk into and through every opportunity to heal and grow and recover and embrace these things, no matter what my crazy ego (Screaming Purple Monkeys) have to say about it.
If I proclaim my honesty in meetings or to others, I must be walking that in my life. The dynamic battle is always going on… oh! I have FEELINGS about that… I am afraid, or angry, or sad, or hurt, or whatever.
We all have feelings, we all have old ideas, we all have doubt and fear; and EGO (SPM) is the source of all of these.
So, gratitude gives me the ability to shift from that negative mindset that is endemic to all addicts and to see the world through a different lens… a new pair of glasses, as it goes. This reframe of my attitude is, for me, the crux of real recovery. I can see it in others and in myself.
Many years have gone into my true understanding of gratitude practice. It is the deepest and most significant part of my life in recovery. I would not be the happy person I am without it. I would not and will not live without a daily writing practice. It is the best high I have ever had. Why would I give that up?
Dolphin Hug 