The best way to appreciate your recovery is to look back at your old life and see how different things are now.
Some changes are subtle, and some are glaringly obvious: you’re no longer drinking, you’re not waking up hungover, you’re not losing memories of experiences. You’re probably healthier than you used to be, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Maybe your relationships have improved. Maybe your work life has improved.
Being present in life, recognizing that each day is a gift, actually hearing someone in a simple conversation–these are more subtle changes but incredibly meaningful.
A 12-step program can help you keep track of and honor these changes.
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With this realization can come a great sense of relief and comfort. You no longer have to do things on your own. You have a support network and perhaps a sense of a higher power that you can rely on. You no longer have to react to life with no regard to consequence.
In recovery, you can feel a sense of calm even when things look their worst.
You know that no matter what happens outside, you have a sense internal peace and stability that will see you through. There is something amazing about seeing life as an active participant. It is like building a house, brick-by-brick, until you have an entire home.