Melody Beattie wrote, Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. It turns problems into gifts, failures into successes, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. Gratitude makes things right.
My reflection: When Jeff was in active addiction, I didn’t feel grateful for much of anything. I wallowed in feelings of guilt, inadequacy, and anger as I asked, Why me? Why our family? I was stuck, immersed, and drowning in sadness and misery.
Today’s Promise to consider: Through the fourteen years of my son’s addiction, I finally learned that gratitude was the antidote to my despair. I began a practice of naming, every day, at least three things for which I was grateful. By scanning my life and identifying all that was good, hope awakened, and I became a more compassionate, person. Today and every day, I will be grateful because it softens my heart and opens the door to allow goodness in.
So much love and gratitude comes to you from all of us, your “ extended family “, Libby; gratitude for your radiant and wise spirit that lifts life into another realm entirely. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
My dearest Pamela, Thank you for your comment – it touches me deeply. Yes, we are all family, a family that has walked a similar journey and learned how to stay close. My love to you and yours.
We are all thankful for you and your willingness to share your hope and strength with all who are suffering through the disease of addiction.
Dear Pat, You and I have walked together for many, many years. We’ve shared our joys and our sorrows. God is good.
Such a beautiful photo of your family, Libby. Today I am grateful for my four sons in recovery with all the bumps, bruises and relapses in their journeys. I am also grateful for all mothers who walk this path me. We are not alone.
Dearest Marie, Four sons — all in recovery. God bless you. I thought I’d lost my mind with one! You are a strong and wonderful woman. You’re right – we are not alone. We walk together in faith and hope. My love to you.
Thank you, for this reflection on gratitude. A few years ago, I attended Mass on Thanksgiving Day at a local Carmelite monastery and the priest used this meditation for his homily.
I read Melodie Beatty’s book on Daily Meditations for Codependents nearly every day. Right now I continue to reflect on October 30 and November 20, both address my own feelings.
Thank you, Libby. I enjoy your weekly emails!
Dear Diane, Thanks for reaching out. Beatty’s writings bring me comfort and strength, too. We are not alone. xo