Happiness in Recovery
The following is a guest post by Joel Christiansen, author and president of Joel Christiansen Speaking Services.
Happiness is not found in the abyss of an addiction. However, it can be found in recovery. It can be argued that addiction is a choice. It can’t be argued that recovery is a choice. Recovery and happiness are an attitude choice. The longer you defer making the choice to get and stay straight and sober and to be happy, the higher the price tag will be for finding them in your life.
You are equipped, empowered and endowed to be happy anytime you make the choice to be. It is not someone else’s responsibility to create the conditions and attract the right people and conditions in your life in order for you to be happy. Happiness is a state of being only you have the power to create.
The search for happiness at empty stores, in a bottle or through a drug, in clutter and more stuff, or in geographical and relationship cures is futile and never found outside of your true self. There may be many things in your life you want but don’t really need to be happy. You may want a different relationship, a different job, more money, a newer car, or a bigger home. The reality is that you don’t need any of those to be happy. Happiness is a choice.
Let me share what I believe are the conditions that create happiness. First, you must have someone in your life who will affirm, appreciate, value and love you. If you are in a job or relationship (and that includes addiction) where that doesn’t exist, then unless you are a masochist you should leave. If you don’t, the price tag for finding happiness will go up. Secondly, you must find something to do that you are interested in, curious about and have a passion for that gives meaning and purpose to your life. Thirdly, you must have something to look forward to every day that gives you hope. No one is exempt from needing hope to cope. Fourthly, happiness is created when you are aligned and in harmony with your true self.
Let this be a new season of happiness in your life. Don’t let anyone or anything pickpocket it. You will prosper in ways you never dreamed possible when a positive attitude, recovery and happiness become a daily habit. It was Herm Albright who said, “A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.”
Be so happy that when others see you they will want to be happy too.
Joel Christiansen is the president of Joel Christiansen Speaking Services, a firm that specializes in speeches, workshops and retreats that empower people to get on the right side of their life and business, and the author of the books: Out of the Ashes the Resurrection of an Addict and Stop Whining and Start Winning: The Power of Life’s Choices.
Lisa Frederiksen
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