Just For Today – August 27 – Choosing Life

“Change from self-destructive patterns of life became necessary.”
Basic Text, page 16

The Smoldering Death Wish of Active Addiction

Active addiction can be described as a smoldering death wish. Every time we used drugs, we flirted with death. Our lifestyles as addicts were fraught with risks, and with every day and every dose, we sold our lives cheaply. The peril wasn’t just in the substances we consumed but also in the dangerous behaviors and environments we surrounded ourselves with.

The First Step in Recovery: Staying Clean

In recovery, the first and most critical pattern we change is the pattern of using. Staying clean is the foundation of our journey into life. However, the self-destructive behavior that characterized our addiction often went far deeper than drug use alone. Even in recovery, we may continue to treat ourselves poorly, believing we are worthless.

Breaking the Cycle of Self-Destruction

Treating ourselves badly in recovery leads to negative feelings. These feelings can be a slippery slope back to our old solution—drugs. To prevent this, we must actively choose recovery and life over self-destruction.

Choosing Life in Recovery

Choosing recovery means choosing life. Every day, we decide that we want to live and be free from the shackles of addiction. This decision manifests in the daily choices we make to avoid self-destructive behaviors and to take care of ourselves.

Practical Steps to Choose Life

1. Stay Clean: Make staying clean the top priority. This is the bedrock of recovery.
2. Self-Care: Engage in activities that nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This includes eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest.
3. Positive Relationships: Surround yourself with supportive, positive people who encourage your recovery journey.
4. Seek Support: Attend NA meetings regularly, find a sponsor, and build a network of peers who understand your struggles and triumphs.
5. Set Goals: Establish short-term and long-term goals that motivate you to stay on the path of recovery.
6. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness and meditation to stay grounded and focused on the present.

The Importance of Daily Choices

Every day presents opportunities to make choices that support our recovery. These choices range from small, seemingly insignificant actions to significant decisions that shape our future. By consistently making positive choices, we reinforce our commitment to life and recovery.

Reframing Self-Worth

In recovery, it’s essential to reframe how we view ourselves. We are not worthless; we are valuable individuals deserving of love and respect. Treating ourselves with kindness and compassion can break the cycle of self-destructive behavior and enhance our recovery.

Affirmation for Today

“Just for today: I will choose life by choosing recovery. I will take care of myself.”

This affirmation serves as a daily reminder to prioritize recovery and self-care. It reinforces the commitment to live a full, healthy life free from addiction.

Conclusion: Embracing Life through Recovery

Choosing life through recovery is a powerful, ongoing decision. It involves breaking free from self-destructive patterns and embracing a new way of living. By making conscious choices every day, we affirm our value and our commitment to a healthy, fulfilling life.

Just for today, commit to choosing life. Prioritize recovery, engage in self-care, and embrace the journey towards a brighter future.