By: Josh
One gift of a life in recovery, is that I can now choose to "start fresh" at any given moment of my day. If my morning isn't going well, I don't have to let it ruin the whole day. At any point, the past is done; over with and unchangeable. Even 10 seconds ago!
Staying aware of this newly found reality, can allow me to avoid my old habits of the F-its and staying in my funks; which slowly keep getting worse the longer I'm in them. I have to live for today, and right now.
I can look into my past as a means to learn how to change my future and not repeat mistakes; or as a way to look at my "negative" behaviors/actions. This does not give myself a license to look at my past and dwell on it and fill myself with regret, shame and guilt. I can also glance into my past as a means to see what has worked well for me in the past in situations. This can become especially important in my new life of recovery; going back to what's helped keep me clean, and face life in positive/productive ways.
These kinds of reflections are a great tool to help keep me motivated in my recovery and to continue pursuing more that recovery has to offer me. I need to stay open-minded and teachable; constantly doing my best to keep learning and putting into practice new ways of living. I just find what works, and leave the rest. It's really that simple, and this is a simple program. (Addicts just have a knack for complicating simple things, lol)
I've found, for me; that giving my will and my life to my God/Higher Power and continually seeking a stronger/closer relationship is what works for me. This is what the program suggests, and I can tell you it's working for me in my life. When I let go (of everything: the past, control, my will) my Higher Power can guide me to live TODAY, and stay clean for another 24 hours.
