Most mornings I wake up hours before the sun, and the first thing I do before getting out of bed is thank God for a good night’s sleep and another day. This is a relatively new habit and not one I picked up because of a desire for self-improvement. I remember a time not so long ago when waking up was the last thing I wanted to do, and if that sounds dramatic, it’s because the night before was beyond recall. Alcoholism had consumed me, and many mornings were spent in fear (because I couldn’t remember anything from the night before) and bewilderment (wondering what was wrong with me.)
Recovery itself is a blessing, and because of it, an awakening to all that I have been freely given. I try to practice living in continual gratitude daily, meaning that I try to keep my eyes open and be aware of everything around me throughout the day—beginning with opening my eyes in the morning—and being thankful for everything that comes my way. That way, I stay in the now, and in today.
Give us this day our daily bread. ~Matthew 6:11
