emiind maricko mythical
Edelmar Easley
Nov. 30, 2019 â Readings in Recovery: Twenty-Four Hours a Day
Twenty-Four Hours a Day is a book of daily meditations for people recovering from addiction. It was first published in 1954 and has sold over nine million copies worldwide. The book offers spiritual guidance and practical advice for living soberly and serenely.
Today's reading focuses on the importance of gratitude in recovery. It says:
"Gratitude to God is the basis of all true worship. It is the foundation of all right attitudes toward life. Gratitude to God is also the basis of all happiness. You cannot be happy unless you are grateful for what you have and what you are. You cannot be grateful unless you believe that God is the source of all good things. The more grateful you are, the more you will have to be grateful for."
The reading suggests that we should make a list of all the things we are grateful for and thank God for them every day. It also reminds us that gratitude is not only a feeling, but also a way of acting. We should express our gratitude by helping others, sharing our experience, and living according to God's will.
What are you grateful for today? How do you show your gratitude to God and others?
Gratitude is not only beneficial for our recovery, but also for our mental and physical health. Studies have shown that gratitude can reduce stress, improve mood, enhance self-esteem, strengthen relationships, and boost immune system. Gratitude can also help us cope with challenges, setbacks, and losses. By focusing on what we have rather than what we lack, we can find meaning and hope in any situation.
Gratitude is not something that comes naturally to everyone. Some of us may have grown up in environments where gratitude was scarce or discouraged. Some of us may have experienced trauma or abuse that made us feel unworthy or resentful. Some of us may have developed habits of negativity or cynicism that block our appreciation of life. But gratitude is not a fixed trait that we either have or don't have. It is a skill that we can learn and practice.
One way to cultivate gratitude is to keep a gratitude journal. This is a simple exercise where you write down three to five things that you are grateful for every day. They can be big or small, personal or general, specific or abstract. The key is to be sincere and specific. For example, instead of writing "I am grateful for my family", you could write "I am grateful for the hug my daughter gave me this morning". By doing this regularly, you will train your mind to notice and appreciate the positive aspects of your life.
Another way to cultivate gratitude is to express it to others. This can be done verbally, in writing, or through actions. You can say thank you to someone who helped you, compliment someone who inspired you, or write a note to someone who touched you. You can also show your gratitude by giving back to others, such as volunteering, donating, or mentoring. By expressing your gratitude, you will not only make others feel good, but also strengthen your bonds and increase your happiness.
A third way to cultivate gratitude is to practice it in prayer or meditation. This can be done by thanking God for all the blessings in your life, asking God for guidance and strength, or praising God for His goodness and love. You can also meditate on the beauty and wonder of nature, the miracle of life, or the gift of grace. By practicing gratitude in prayer or meditation, you will deepen your connection with God and your spirituality.
Gratitude is a powerful tool for recovery and well-being. It can help us overcome our addiction, heal our wounds, and transform our lives. It can also help us appreciate the present moment, enjoy the simple pleasures, and celebrate the joys. Gratitude is a gift that we can give ourselves and others every day. Let us be grateful for this day and every day.