As men and women suffering from the disease of addiction, we have trouble appreciating the moment. Before we found sobriety, we were consumed by thoughts of the next drink or drug and developed a preoccupation with what the future may or may not bring that we became unaccustomed to living in the present. Early sobriety may have some drawbacks—we are beginning to find our place in life, getting back in touch with our inner selves, and managing the final physical and psychological symptoms of post-acute withdrawal, but recovery can be a time of joy. Author Marcel Proust once said, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” The journey of recovery allows us to finally see the beauty of the world that has always been before us. The fog of addiction begins to clear in our minds and suddenly we are able to see the true nature of ourselves and those around us. It may be difficult in the beginning, but at some point on the journey, we begin to understand the progress we have made in sobriety. The things that once controlled our actions and behaviors, such as cravings, obsession, and fear, are lifted from us and we begin to experience a spiritual connection that we never thought possible. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous explains, “Quite often friends of the newcomer are aware of the difference long before he is himself. He finally realized that he has undergone a profound alteration in his reaction to life, that such a change could hardly have been brought about by himself alone. What often takes place in a few months could seldom have been accomplished by years of self-discipline.” This is the essence of the spiritual awakening. We understand, at some point along our journey, that we have changed in a way that would have previously seemed impossible. With this understanding, we can’t help put show appreciation and gratitude for the journey that we are on. This is not all, however—the journey does not end. It is one of continuous spiritual growth. As we grow, so do the feelings of happiness and joy in our recovery.
Your story can be one of happiness, joyousness, and freedom in sobriety. You can make the decision to seek help now and take the first step one the journey of recovery. Oceanfront Recovery, a treatment facility in Orange County, California, offers the opportunity to achieve sobriety in a beautiful and serene Laguna Beach environment. For more information about individualized treatment options, please call today: (877) 279-1777
