11/23/2021
Importance of Practicing Gratitude in Recovery
As we enter the week of Thanksgiving, we’re reminded of the importance of gratitude. Expressing gratitude is part of the November tradition, but for people in recovery, it’s a year-round practice. Taking time each day to be grateful reminds people in recovery of the good around them and how to think positively.
If you’ve been struggling with gratitude since completing drug rehab in Arizona, now is a good time to work on it. People all around you will be doing the same, which can make it easier on you! At the end of November, don’t let this way of thinking disappear. Continue to practice gratitude – it can change your entire outlook on things!
Importance of Gratitude in Recovery
In simple terms, gratitude is feeling joy for the things you have in your life. Many people start thinking of material possessions, but you will find much more to be grateful for when you open yourself up to opportunities, emotions, feelings and states of being.
Practicing daily gratitude promotes a state of positive thinking that can greatly benefit your recovery. You’ll feel better emotionally and physically, which will give you the confidence to keep moving forward in your journey.
Without a focus on positive thinking, you might end up dwelling on the negative aspects in your life, such as what you’ve had to give up. This will make it difficult to reach true happiness and can eventually put you at risk for relapse.
Ways to Have More Gratitude in Recovery
What are some of the ways you can practice gratitude this Thanksgiving season? Below are some tips to help you work toward a thankful season.
Focus on what you have rather than on what you don’t have. It’s easy to get caught up in all the things you don’t have, especially if you spend time on social media. But when you focus on things you don’t have, it creates ungratefulness, bitterness and resentment.
Make it a goal to give to others daily. Practicing generosity is a step closer to gratefulness. Why? Because it gives you the opportunity to be intentional about your actions. If you volunteer at a homeless shelter, you’ll be grateful for the food, clothes and shelter you have.
Look at the best in others, not the worst. We can all pick out things we don’t like about people, but again, this fosters negative thinking. Instead, focus on the best qualities you see in the people around you.
Consider the life lessons you’ve learned. Going through difficult times can make us feel resentful, but try to look at things from a different perspective. What lessons have challenging situations taught you? How have you grown as a person? Viewing challenges as opportunities is healthier and more constructive.
Need Help this Holiday Season? Contact Wolf Creek Recovery.
Instead of focusing on material possessions or the things you’re missing out on, make a commitment to celebrate the things you do have. If you’re new to recovery, also make sure that you are active in your self-groups and regularly attending AA or NA.
If, at any time, you feel that you could benefit from additional support, contact Wolf Creek Recovery. We have several different tracts of care that will “meet” you where you are, including an Extended Recovery program.
