October 1

”When the rock is hard, we get harder than the rock. When the job is tough, we get tougher than the job.” George Cullem, Sr.

Too much of my life has been spent looking for the easier way out. I guess that made me a prime target for becoming an addict. Although I only identify with one major category, my one vice that I turned to without fail to cope and survive, I know better that my addictive personality has a broader scope. I recognize now many other ways were I escaped, be it food, video games, volunteering – I was able to take other things to an extreme to deal with my emotions. Life has not gotten any easier in recovery. In fact, in most aspects it has gotten harder. Becoming responsible, facing the consequences of my actions, and taking life as it comes is hard work. Even harder without the ability to resort to my tried and true methods of handling stress. But in spite of the negative, I am aware that my life is more authentic. I am more real, honest and connected than I have been in years. The challenges are hard, but the feeling of overcoming them more than compensates for the difficulties. I have a renewed strength and drive to tackle the problems that come my way rather than cower and hide like I used to. Life is meant to be lived, not watched from the shadows.

Affirmation I have confidence in facing today’s challenges, knowing I can make it through with the support of my Higher Power.