US Thanksgiving

[Yoda-Stevie]

In two weeks, the US celebrates Thanksgiving. Whether one gathers for celebration in a religious sense, or just a day spent in appreciation of living, I think it well and proper to pause from time to time, and truly contemplate the good things in life, beyond the cosmetic or superficial. So here’s what I will be celebrating:

I am thankful to have been born and lived in my country, during a time of prosperity. I’ve been hungry, but don’t know what it feels like to starve, and have never had to watch a loved one starve either.

I am thankful for my health, both mental and physical. I have lived a life free of major health issues.

I am thankful to be married to my wife. She is everything I could ever hope to want in a mate. I pray that the good Lord takes me first, as this world would be a washed out scene, without her.

I am thankful for my kids. They are both fantastic people, in spite of my shortcomings as a parent.

I am thankful for my in-laws. In a marriage, in-laws can be a plus or minus, and I made out well in this regard.

I am thankful for my home, in my nice neighborhood, that is an place of peaceful refuge, free of major dysfunction.

I am thankful for my job. I don’t love it, but I don’t mind getting up every day to do it.

And I am thankful for my sobriety, upon which so much rests.

Take your time. Really think about it. Even if your country’s day of Thanksgiving is some other day, any day can be a day of thankfulness. What are you thankful for?

[ELY83]

What a great thing to read first thing in the morning. Your words ring true as always dude.

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful that for some unexplainable reason, I woke up one morning in my bathroom in the middle of one of my horrendous hangovers and realized that I was killing myself. And even more thankful that the universe helped me to decide to do something about it.

I am thankful that I live in a time and place where my needs are taken care of. I’m going through a time where I’m shorter on money than I have been in the past, but thankful that I don’t feel upset about having to downsize. I am able to shrink my needs to fit my circumstances.

I’m thankful to all those on the planet working to foster the continuation of life in the myriad ways that they do that work. This existence is a blessing, even when it’s not, and I’m grateful to be in it.

I’m thankful for my family. Losing my mother this year has brought out a true appreciation for one another and I will be thankful to spend time with them these holidays. Our past is a rocky one at best, but death has a beautiful way of culling away what is unnecessary and getting you fixed on what really matters.

I’m so very thankful to my body for going through what I put it through and will continue to spend each day now caring for it with the utmost tenderness.

I’m thankful for the work I get to do and the people I get to do it with.

I am thankful for a partner that is as committed to sobriety and becoming a better person as I am, and who is transparent, reflective and honest.

I am thankful for my beautiful pups. They are older now…I know the day will come when they pass and I’m thankful to be able to give them the very best life I can.

I’m thankful to have been able to be sober and present for my mother’s death this year. I miss her dearly, and am thankful for the connection I fee to the nurturing spirit I couldn’t always fee when she was here. Cooking and gardening specifically draw me closer to her and I love that.

I am thankful that the fog is lifting and that I’m waking up each day with less separation between me and all the other souls on the planet.

And I’m grateful for this place we have here together and for all of you.

There’s probably more but…no coffee just yet.

[ReneeAnn]

I am thankful for my best friend, my husband. He is my everything, my rock, supporter, lover, awesome father, provider and forgiving accepting man.

My 2 children whom I love unconditionally no matter their quirks and idiosyncrasies. I am a bear when it comes to fighting for their special needs in today’s nasty world, which is not accepting and judgemental.

My 2 beautiful devoted doggies whom love unconditionally.

My best friend Joy who was and is always there for me in my addiction and sobriety.

My fellowship with my AA group. They are wonderful accepting men, yes I’m the only woman there. They never judge, call me out or reprimand. They accept me as I am and I am very grateful for their advice and friendship

I am thankful for this forum and you are all wonderful people. I hope to have a visit by @ifs imaginary cat Ronin.

Have a safe, happy, fun, wonderful and SOBER Thanksgiving.

[Sober_Ninja]

Boy. There is so much to be thankful for post alcohol.

I am thankful for my amazing husband who has stuck around through alcoholism, to a mental illness diagnosis post booze ,2 years of figuring out medications, and who moved across the country for my health.

I am thankful for my job. They are flexible, loving, and try to be understanding of my situation.

I am thankful for my beautiful home, and the community that surrounds us.

I am thankful for my sobriety. I knew sobriety would change my life, but had no idea the impact my sobriety would have for me, and the people around me. My sobriety changed everything, including so many relationships I thought weren’t repairable. I am still working on my amends to people, and apologizing with a genuine heart. And it feels good. Sobriety feels right.

My second Thanksgiving away from everyone is going to be hard. I’m already seeing memories on Facebook of my house being full of people. I hosted 8 years of feasts that fed 30+, and now it’s just Chris and I. But, I am thankful that we will be starting new traditions once we figure out What we want.

I am thankful for this app and all of the people I’ve talked to over the last * almost* 3 years. Including you. I hope you have a great day.

[MissOctober]

Aw, that bit about your wife made me tear up. I feel the same about my husband.
I have a lot to be thankful for but mostly I’m thankful to be alive, to be sober, and to have an amazing man and family in my life that loves me very much.

[Eke]

For fellowship and the candid wisdom of others. In the past year I’ve met so many who by simply being them have reshaped my dark view of the world back into something dazzling and full of hope. All present company included.

For family. We have our troubles, but also a solid foundation of love for which I’m grateful.

For the grace of the universe and those around me. By my actions I’ve been given more chances than I have any right to be given. Yet every day I wake up I find another opportunity, another chance to do better.

And newly thankful for my training and education. I let it become something I resented and still after took for granted. Going forward I hope to be a better steward of that knowledge and experience.

[Yoda-Stevie]