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04/08/24 Recovery Reading: The Transformative Power of Gratitude
Just give thanks. You don’t have to actually feel it
During the journey of recovery from the blows, taunts, and broken promises of a loved one’s addiction, Al-Anon serves as a beacon of healing for many people who love, live, ir wirk with an alcoholic. Central to the Al-Anon philosophy is the practice of gratitude, a profound tool that fosters healing, resilience, and inner peace amidst chaos.
Gratitude, as practiced in Al-Anon, is not merely a smarmy phrase or a superficial expression of thanks; it’s a transformative practice deeply intertwined with the underlying Al-Anon principles of acceptance, surrender, and self-care.
At its core, gratitude serves as a potent antidote to the toxicity of resentment and bitterness that arises when someone loves and lives with an alcoholic. By shifting the focus from what’s lacking to what’s present, even abundant, individuals practicing gratitude find solace in acknowledging their blessings, no matter how minute, amidst the turmoil caused by addiction.
In the context of uncertainty and despair, gratitude can cultivate hope. Focusing on gratitude allows me to recognize my own strength and resilience. It empowers me to navigate life challenges with courage and grace.
