Celebrate the Season with an Attitude of Gratitude
The holidays demand a good time! (Haha)
Consciously or not, you have expectations for the holidays. Maybe you are planning to visit family, host a gathering, or see people you haven’t seen since last holiday. The holidays come with a lot of pressure.
For those who have lived with an addiction or someone who is active in their substance use, the holiday season can be especially challenging! The misuse of drugs or alcohol lowers inhibitions, giving voice to the angst stirring inside. People say and do things that can leave a mark on loved ones. Some may try to avoid the pressure of these “wondrous holidays” all together by “checking out.”
I believe there’s a deeper desire to connect buried under the pain. That people want to be enjoyed and enjoy one another. That can take real effort.
Attitude of Gratitude
Maintaining an attitude of gratitude is a safeguard for the heart and mind as well as important relationships. Here are 5 things to consider in preparation for the Holidays::
1. Start with thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is not just a day. It is an action. Make a list of who and what you are thankful for. Consider the immediate. Today I am thankful for waking up in my own bed— sober, without a hang over. Add your own details) For the breath of life and my eye sight! Today I am thankful for responsibilities that have been entrusted to me. I’m thankful for my wife/husband/significant other, etc. This can be a 1-2 minute exercise upon awakening. This can be daily. And it works!
2. Spend time in prayer
Talking with God is a gift, knowing God hears is something to be thankful for. Tell God what heart aches you carry, the troubles you may be facing internally or relationally. Being real conversationally with God allows us to “get it out.” If you believe (I sure do) that God hears your prayers, who better to talk with than the One who heals, forgives, empowers and loves you?! Even if you struggle to believe, give it try.
3. Practice generosity
A great way to practice gratitude is by sharing it with others. Do something for someone else. Serving others with the intention of being a blessing is transformative. Be careful to do your good deed or act of kindness without expectations. Knowing that God sees you and has given you the ability to be a blessing is actual evidence that you have been blessed to be a blessing.
4. End your day with reflection
Review your day upon retiring at night, specifically looking for glimpses for God at work. Where did you see God doing for you what you couldn’t do for yourself? Where did you see God at work in another person? Acknowledging God's activity in your day to day is a very real way to adjust your attitude. God is with you.
5. Don’t forget to remember
Jesus said, “...in this world you will have trouble but take heart (courage) I have overcome the world.” (John 16:34) Remember who you are as a child of God. Remember the promises of Jesus. Remember these days are yours to respond to the finished work of Jesus, to reveal and reflect His great love and purposes.
Be intentional this holiday season
These 5 themes are wide open for you to have your own experiences with God, to discover an attitude of gratitude that is meaningful for you. And I promise, you will notice a difference—those around you will too.
These days are filled with opportunities to live by faith, to act, to think, to speak in ways that reveal and reflect our faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please God”
Let’s go after the Holidays with an attitude of gratitude and great expectations of what God does.
If you or someone you love are facing challenges with substance misuse, addiction or simply want someone to talk with about recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out. Freedom@Harborrockrecovery.org
There is a solution.
PD
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