The holidays can be a difficult time of year for those dealing with addiction and recovering from alcoholism. The stress and triggers that present themselves throughout the season may lead to temptation, so it’s important to take extra care of your mental and physical health during this time.
As we move towards the end of December, today is an opportunity to reflect on our triumphs over adversity, practice self-care rituals that bring us inner peace, and commit ourselves even more strongly to remaining sober in 2020.
Daily Reflections December 26
Furthermore, how shall we come to terms with seeming failure or success? Can we now accept and adjust to either without despair or pride? Can we accept poverty, sickness, loneliness, and bereavement with courage and serenity? Can we steadfastly content ourselves with the humbler, yet sometimes more durable, satisfactions when the brighter, more glittering achievements are denied us?
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 112
After facing the reality of their powerlessness and unmanageability, it took some time for one to truly understand why A.A.’s Twelve Steps are so powerful.
Although initially only understanding that they need “to carry this message,” eventually they realized step twelve contains more than just delivering a message – its about practicing these principles in all areas of life!
Taking on each Step allowed them not only find sobriety, but also transform struggles into joy-filled living experiences.
I am grateful that I can look back on my journey to sobriety, with all its struggles and successes, and gain a greater insight into the importance of the Twelve Steps. Through reflection and willingness to work the Steps, we become better equipped to cope with life’s obstacles.
By practicing the principles of these Steps in all our daily activities, we are able to manage our unmanageable lives and gain an inner peace that allows us to experience true joy. Ultimately, it is this joy of living—not drinking or drugging—that will keep us sober for a lifetime.
Much like me, if you remain open to the process of recovery and take action each day, your chances of achieving long term recovery from addiction increases exponentially. With determination and perseverance, you too can live a life free from the shackles of destructive substances!
