I can relate so well to what you said about your kids and wanting to show them that there can be true happiness in life. Sometimes I try so hard to numb myself to the harsh realities of life that I become zombie like. My kids deserve better than this in a dad.

One bit of advice I heard recently was to STOP asking myself if I was happy. When we do this, we open the flood gates for self evaluation, which we never seem to pass. Today I will try to replace the question, “Am I happy” with “Am I grateful”.

Thanks SO much for your blog. I feel less alone.

The need to be accepted is one of the highest needs that humans seek. Alternatively, the fear of rejection is at the top of the list of fears humans avoid. Bloody hell – we are essentially hardwired to avoid any conflict that could possibly result in rejection of some sort.

One blessing of recovery is reflecting on the status quo of ourselves and life. You can never go to far wrong by living with the adage of “To thy own self be true.”

This will provide the basis of living a completely authentic life. Choosing to live an authentic life in an honest but compassionate way really is a fabulous by-product of recovery. For that end result I feel gratitude that my addiction and recovery taught me this life changing ethos.