December 2023 Newsletter
Recovery Gift #1 – HOPE, INSTEAD OF DESPAIR
This wonderful gift is exactly what we need and desire when the recovery process begins.
Recovery Gift #2- FAITH, INSTEAD OF DESPERATION
Once in enslaved in darkness, we discovery enlightenment, a better life. We learn to trust Jesus and that our life will turn out as it should.
Recovery Gift #3- COURAGE, INSTEAD OF FEAR
Fear feeds addiction-fear of pain, fear of people, and fear of the unknown. In recovery we find strength in the face of fear. We are no longer defined by that fear.
Recovery Gift #4- SERENITY, INSTEAD OF UNCERTAINTY
Addiction is a state of disorder and pulls us further into slavery. Recovery is peace of mind and soul.
Recovery Gift #5- SELF-RESPECT, INSTEAD OF WORTHLESSNESS
Addiction spawns guilt, shame, and remorse. We try to numb with more substance abuse. In recovery we unburden ourselves of painful emotions and become free. We learn that we have value, just as we are.
Recovery Gift #5- SELF-CONFIDENCE, INSTAD OF HELPLESSNESS
In active addiction we are beaten. It has stolen our lives. Now in recovery, we learn to trust in our own abilities to meet any challenge before us. We have reclaimed our lives.
Recovery Gift #6 THE RESPECT OF OTHERS, INSTEAD OF THEIR PITY
Addiction controls behaviors and ruins relationships. We break promises, lie, and hurt others with no regard of the consequences. In recovery we strive to be the best we can. We live by the AA principles. We become worthy of respect.
Recovery Gift #7- A CLEAN CONSCIENCE, INSTEAD OF A SENSE OF GUILT
One of our basic beliefs, in recovery, is the willingness to make amends for the harm we have done to others in our past. We try to directly make up for any wrongs we have done. If we are sincere in our efforts, we wipe the slate clean and begin anew.
Recovery Gift #8- THE FEEDOM OF A HAPPY LIFE, INSTEAD OF THE BONDAGE OF ADDICTION
Addiction hijacked our brains. We became slaves (addiction) to chemicals. Our wills were not our own, and all our actions served to feed our addictions.
True freedom (recovery) from addictive use means we have the RIGHT to be happy.