Recovery is about more than just not drinking or using. We engage in a process of continual spiritual and personal development to help us achieve a state of happiness, joyousness, and freedom. The more we practice the principles of recovery, the better we become at maintaining our serenity. The best way to ensure that we are continuing to develop at a personal and spiritual level is to strive to do our best each and every day. It is easy to stop living by spiritual principles and fall back into the same patterns of thought and behavior that dominated us during our time in active addiction. Every day we can do our best to live by the principles of recovery, and every night we can reflect on how we can do better during the following day. We consider where we may have acted selfishly or dishonestly and make a commitment not to repeat the same mistakes the following day. This way, we can be sure that we are engaged in a process of spiritual and personal development rather than resting on our laurels and becoming complacent in our sobriety. Don Miguel Ruiz, in The Four Agreements, explains, “Just do your best—in any circumstance in your life. It doesn’t matter if you are sick or tired, if you always do your best there is no way you can judge yourself. And if you don’t judge yourself there is no way you are going to suffer from guilt, blame, or self-punishment. By always doing your best, you will break a big spell you have been under.” There will be days when we don’t want to be our best selves. We may be sick, tired, or just feel like taking a day off from practicing the principles of recovery. However, one day can easily turn into two, then into a week or month, and before we know it, the familiar desires for drugs and alcohol have returned. If we can do our best every day to live honestly, spiritually, lovingly, and selflessly, we will find that we are happier with our lives and truly enjoying the gifts of sobriety.
Your story can become one of serenity and peace of mind in sobriety. You can make the decision to embark upon the rewarding journey of recovery by seeking help now. Oceanfront Recovery, a treatment facility in beautiful Laguna Beach, offers effective treatment that incorporates a variety of methodologies and a well-rounded balance of individual and group therapy sessions, inside and outside 12-step meetings, nutritious meals, social events, monitored exercise, and sufficient time to rest, relaxation, and reflection. For information about individualized treatment options, please call today: (877) 279-1777
