Every day, I grapple with gratitude. Gratitude is that thing that breathes out ”YES.” It’s that thing that exists on the other side of bondage. On the other side of struggle. Gratitude is the choice beyond entrapment.
Anyone who has survived the misery of addiction understands the true nature of gratitude. That it is akin to freedom. That it is not a state of entitlement. Nor is it assumed.
Gratitude is a choice. We don’t have to be grateful. It cannot be forced or coerced. It is a state of being that is experienced by those who are eerily familiar with the alternative.
Gratitude is the opposite of addiction. Opposite gratitude is shame, denial, and spiritual paralysis. When I was in active addiction, reality was grim. All of my privileges were dormant. All of my problems were magnified. All of my relationships were exhausting. Working every day was a chore. Even eating was inconvenient. Gratitude is what allows me to remember this and keeps me free from that.
Gratitude is liberation, allowing me to live my life so that others can get a glimpse of what living is like on the other side of addiction.
Today, I will pursue gratitude and abandon obsession.
Today, I will embrace gratitude as the antidote to suffering.
Today, gratitude is my release from the petty annoyances that call me away from living a life free from any and all substances that pull me away from all that is peaceful and safe and good.
Today, I choose gratitude.