Connecting, Not Escaping: Celebrating Thanksgiving In Recovery
In recovery, learning to be grateful for the small and big things in life is a powerful tool for maintaining sobriety. Take time to reflect on the positive changes in your life since you began your recovery journey. Expressing gratitude can help shift your focus from what you’ve lost to what you’ve gained through sobriety. Sometimes the more challenging aspect of gratitude is being grateful for what’s inside of ourselves, for who we are. We all go through times where life is hard, where we might experience grief or loss.
Instead, be grateful that you still have an opportunity to start rebuilding relationships. If you do not have close friends and family, you can look for support groups in your local area or even online. Acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of others fosters a sense of connection and builds stronger relationships. gratitude and recovery Gratitude also creates a positive feedback loop, as people are more likely to offer support and kindness when their efforts are recognized. Developing an attitude of gratitude is just oneaspect of recovery taught at Serenity Vista. A grateful brain filled with thanksgivingproduces both dopamine and serotonin.
Holistic Wellness in Recovery
It’s not easy to stay grateful all the time, that’s why a gratitude practice is vital to keep us on track. Psychologically, the feeling of gratitudeproduces feelings of well-being by producing happy hormones, and physically byreducing blood pressure and promoting better sleep. Other studies on gratitudehave found that simply writing a few sentences about what you are grateful fordaily can result in fewer visits to the doctor. As we look back on our recovery journey, we can see how far we have come and identify areas where we still need to grow. By being honest with ourselves and seeking support from others, we can continue to make progress in our recovery. It signifies strength, resilience, and the capacity to overcome adversity.
- Engaging in these activities can help you stay connected, motivated, and focused on your recovery.
- They view their current situation as unsatisfactory, and they might not have much hope that things will improve in the future.
- It allows you to weather life’s challenges with greater ease and helps you maintain a sense of balance and emotional well-being.
- Practicing gratitude allows you to “switch gears” mentally and see the positivity and hopefulness in the process.
- Your first sober Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it’s a significant milestone in your recovery journey.
Today, Thanksgiving serves as a reminder of the importance of community, empathy, and appreciation for what we have. Before the hustle and bustle of daily life takes over, take a few minutes to acknowledge the positive aspects of your life. Reflect on your achievements, your support, and the growth opportunities. Recognizing and appreciating positive aspects of life shifts focus away from stressors, redirecting attention to what is going well. This shift promotes a more optimistic perspective, reducing the impact of stress by fostering a mindset that acknowledges, highlights, and emphasizes the positive elements of life’s experiences.
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During this holiday, you can share your experiences with others, providing inspiration and hope to those who may still be struggling. It’s a time to connect with loved ones who have supported you and express your heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering presence in your life. Sticking with your recovery program, implementing and following new strategies, and relying on your support system are things you can celebrate with heartfelt gratitude.
However, celebrating Thanksgiving in recovery is an opportunity to connect with loved ones, embrace gratitude, and strengthen the foundation of a sober and fulfilling life. Thanksgiving has its roots in the early 17th century when the Pilgrims and Native Americans came together to celebrate a bountiful harvest. It symbolizes unity, gratitude, and the spirit of giving thanks for the blessings in our lives.
Finding Strength in Practicing Gratitude
It serves as a reminder that, even in the face of significant challenges, there is always something to be thankful for. Embracing gratitude isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a transformative act of self-empowerment. It demonstrates your ability to find positivity even in challenging circumstances, further reinforcing your commitment to recovery and mental well-being. As you consider all that you have to be thankful for in your recovery, remember that AppleGate Recovery is here to support you every step of the way. Our comprehensive treatment programs are designed to help you navigate your journey with the care and guidance you deserve. Contact us to learn how we can help you with your recovery.
“Faith in Jesus Christ, the incarnated God, born of the Virgin Mary, gives a new way of feeling time and life.” Quiet your mind, get present and be grateful for all of the blessings in your life. Practice acceptance of what is, letting go of judgment of right or wrong or good and bad. And ‘what is’ is an opportunity to be grateful for whatever ‘it is’ presents.
Practicing gratitude often involves taking a look at where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you hope to be in the future. For those in recovery, this perspective is crucial for staying motivated and committed to sobriety. In this way, practicing gratitude in recovery can refocus the mind on one’s particular recovery goals. It can help people recognize the values they hold important and the progress they’ve already made toward a healthier life.
Remember, gratitude is a powerful force that can transform your perspective and contribute to lasting positive change on your recovery journey. Keep a gratitude journal to document what you’re thankful for daily. Whether it’s a small accomplishment, a kind gesture from a friend, or a moment of serenity, jotting down positive experiences fosters a mindset of gratitude. Over time, this journal becomes a powerful reminder of your progress and the positive aspects of your life.
Thanksgiving is the start of a long holiday season of family get-togethers and parties, which can be stressful for anyone–especially if you’re in recovery. This might be the first family gathering since you became sober. You may worry about being exposed to drugs or alcohol or reconnecting with family members or friends who use. However, the holiday can also provide the chance to really appreciate and celebrate the changes you’ve made and how fortunate you are to have a strong support system.
- Gratitude in recovery is being positive and making lemonade out of life’s lemons.
- Whether big or small, these acts positively impact the recipients and contribute to your sense of purpose and connection.
- Contact us to learn how we can help you with your recovery.
Because positivity attracts positive people, you’ll be able to foster good relationships and build a strong support network. Cultivating a daily practice of gratitude goes beyond the traditional Thanksgiving celebration. By incorporating these practices into your life, you can create a foundation for a year-round attitude of thankfulness, enhancing the overall quality of your sober lifestyle.