“Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift. It liberates us from the prison of self-preoccupation.”
— John Ortberg
In Post #07, I wrote about the pride I felt in noticing difficult moments throughout the day and defusing each one before frustration could accumulate and push me toward escape. This week returns to those themes of mindfulness and self-awareness. I’ve been practicing the habit of paying attention to my feelings and maintaining a rational perspective.
A few days ago, I slipped into a “low mood,” one that lingered. I realized it would be wise to pause and ask why. Through conversations with friends and family, sharing frustrations, and then sitting quietly with my thoughts, I recognized a set of overlapping triggers:
• A close friend is facing the demands and concerns of a cancer diagnosis.
• My recent knee injury continues to limit my movement and connection with others.
• Sleep has been difficult — knee pain and general worries keeping me restless and tired.
• I’ve been immersed too often in negative news and messages on social media.
• While researching recovery quotes for these posts, I’m seeing the same recycled ideas, leaving me bored and cynical.
I won’t list every solution, but the simple act of identifying the problems dispelled the thickening cloud of angst and made each concern feel manageable.
In the past, I would have let these unexamined thoughts simmer, adding irritations to the pot until the “recipe for relapse” reached a boil. Then I’d “douse the stove fire” with alcohol, only to face the mess afterward. Not now. I am grateful for the strengthening practice of mindfulness — addressing things as they arise or when I notice a sense of unease that deserves attention.
A few points remain essential in my recovery:
• Any time I think of drinking again, even briefly, I recall clearly the pain of relapse and the harm it caused to myself and others.
• Sharing openly with family, friends, therapists, and online connections — and staying receptive to feedback.
• Journaling, which helps me follow a train of thought and gives me something to revisit as I continue working through challenges.
• Quiet contemplation: no background noise, no distractions, no TV, no music, no surrounding “must-dos.” Best of all is a walk or sit in nature, fully present with myself.
Mindfulness gives me the Viktor Frankl “space” between reaction and response. I am deeply grateful for the power that practice brings to my recovery and my life.