Today I'm reflecting on gratitude. Because having gratitude is what helps me stay sober and keep balance in my life.
So what am I grateful for today? At the moment I'm writing this in front of a window on the 27th floor of a condominium in downtown Las Vegas. If one likes to look at a city, then this is a perfect vantage point to see it from. I'm so high above the street that the automobiles passing below look like children's toys. And in between the skyscrapers surrounding my condominium I have a view of the mountain range outside the city. All in all it's a view that I'm enjoying while I'm in town with 20 family members for the July 4 holiday. And I'm grateful for that. I'm also grateful that I have the financial resources to be able to invite 20 family members for a five day vacation. And for the fact that they all showed up, some driving from 500 miles away.
Quite likely, none of this would've been possible had I not gotten sober 32 years ago. Since the day I walked into a detoxification unit in Mesa, Arizona my life has gotten continually better.
Within five years of getting sober I had also become financially successful and had all of the material things I had wished for.
And while I'm grateful for being financially successful, I'm even more grateful for the fact that I've developed a certain amount of wisdom and emotional stability. At one time I was the kind of drug addict and alcoholic who let everything that upset me drive me to the next binge. And that doesn't happen today.
So do I ever get upset? Of course. But I now – after 32 years of recovery – am able to get myself back on course very rapidly. Another reason for gratitude.
Today I have gratitude for being able to live in peace and enjoy life, while still doing the work I love helping other alcoholics and addicts change their lives.
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