A decade and a half of substance abuse has taught me the value of resilience. At my lowest point, I discovered a spark of hope and chose to turn it into a flame. With four children counting on me, I made the empowering decision to confront my addiction head-on, reclaim my life, and forge a new path marked by growth, gratitude, and a deeper connection with myself and those I love.

My recovery journey has been a transformative year of growth. The past twelve months have been a thrilling rollercoaster ride. I have made mistakes, faced setbacks, learned valuable lessons, and emerged stronger. After a year in and out of different treatment facilities, last month I finally discovered the profound power of genuine gratitude.

Our therapist introduced the Gratitude Group, a weekly Wednesday ritual. When asked what we were grateful for, my peers expressed gratitude for being in treatment or achieving sobriety. But our therapist wanted us to go deeper, seeking more meaningful reflections. His insightful probing led me to a breakthrough, as naming ten self-loved qualities unlocked a deeper understanding. I realized that embracing gratitude is crucial for thriving in sobriety, and this powerful mindset shift has become a cornerstone of my recovery.

I have uncovered the incredible strength of gratitude, a beacon that illuminates my path on difficult days and multiplies joy on the uplifting ones. Reclaiming my pre-relapse gratitude journal has revitalized my spirit, and now I am more committed than ever. By integrating gratitude journaling, practicing mindfulness, and using the Gratitude App, I transcend negativity and tap into boundless hope and inner fortitude.

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