“A joyful life is an individual creation that cannot be copied from a recipe.”
— Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
This has been a good week, with no internal challenges to my sobriety. I’ve been consistent with healthy routines—daily planning and journaling, meditation, and regular workouts at the gym for both mental and physical well-being. I’ve enjoyed beginning each morning with coffee and time spent creatively editing photographs.
Today, I improvised a chicken–vegetable–rice soup, enjoying the quiet of the kitchen and the anticipation of a warm, comforting meal.
I’ve listened to audio streams about recovery, addiction, and science, and even found enjoyment in YouTube videos about the history of my favorite video game franchises. I have a couple of books in progress that help me unwind before sleep. Yes, I allow myself moments of escape—intentional, healthy escape.
Of course, not everything is easy. Loved ones are facing illness and loss. I try to offer support and encouragement where I can. I continue to feel concern about finances and the future, but I’m addressing these areas steadily. I know that if I weren’t sober, I couldn’t be of service to myself or to anyone else.
The quote above resonates deeply with me: my life is mine to create, not to force into a prefabricated mold. Over the years, I’ve explored other recovery paths—AA, SMART Recovery, Dharma Recovery—and studied psychology and addiction to understand my own patterns. But no single program provided the final “one-size-fits-all” answer. Instead, each offered something useful.
What works for me now is a combination of ideas, tools, and insight—supported by the most essential ingredient: my intrinsic motivation to live a meaningful and joyful life. This, more than anything else, fuels my recovery.