March 26

”We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon." Franklin D. Roosevelt

When I look back at the years spent in the depths of my addiction, I find it hard to find any worthwhile goals or accomplishments that my addict was striving for. Rather, that period was really on focused on pleasure for pleasure's sake, for feeding the insatiable desires of my addiction. Anything outside of that was merely there to support the ability to continuing acting out.      My horizons have opened now that I am in recovery. My program has granted me the clarity to see through the fog of addiction and realize that the world has so much more to offer. Even better, that there are many better ways for me to participate in this life and to use my skills and talents for the betterment of those around me.      As a child I grew up with the belief that my parents wanted a better life for me than they experienced themselves. And as a parent myself, I believe the same, and that I would like to leave the world a better place than I found it. Through my new-found awareness and sense of responsibility, I have hope that the future will indeed be brighter.

Affirmation

I can look to the future and the improvements that I hope and dream for, that my Higher Power has laid before me.

March 25

”Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action.” Walter Anderson

Feeling anxious is a normal part of me. It happens most often when I am confronted with the unknown, when the future is uncertain. It is my worries about the future, about things to come.     In the past, anxiety was one of the driving forces for turning to my addiction to cope. In recovery, I am learning that there are different avenues for me to take. Probably the most effective tools for me in times of uncertainty are the Serenity Prayer and Step Three. From the Serenity Prayer, recognizing the things I cannot change, often the seeds of my worries, and focusing on what I can, helps to ground me in the present moment. And from Step Three, opening myself to the will of my Higher Power, is about trusting in His plan, and that everything is going to work itself out in the end.      These are simple actions I can take. Moreover, focusing on the routine of my day, taking care of the things that need to be done, also is a healthy distraction from my anxiety. I need to look after myself and my basic needs and fulfill my responsibilities to my family, my work, etc. As the saying goes, this too shall pass.

Affirmation

I will take the actions necessary to progress through today, even if I am feeling anxious or worried.

March 24

”We don't heal in isolation, but in community.” S. Kelley Harrell

Strange times, strange times indeed. The world today feels like it is collapsing inward. Self-isolation is the buzzword in every heart. As an addict, I have a love/hate relationship with isolation. My addict craved isolation, sought excuse after excuse to get those moments alone where it could be satisfied. And in early recovery I feared isolation, afraid to give that space for my addiction to increase it's tendrils of temptation. Thankfully I have a foundation of recovery, and a community that is a large part of that. It involves my sponsor, sponsees and fellow brothers and sisters in the program. It has expanded to include family and close friends, and I know I am not alone, not on my own to fight the daily battle to remain safe and sober. I am grateful for the 12 Steps and the guidance they have provided to lead me back to serenity and sanity. I have found an inner strength which has sprung forth from the depths of my pain and suffering. So I no longer fear isolation as I once did, for I have a strong network of support to keep me on the path of recovery.

Affirmation

I will take measures to ensure I am not isolating myself today, and reach out to someone who is there to support me and my recovery.