“Our awakening has come about as a result of a spiritual house cleaning, being aware of who we are, and cultivating a growing relationship with our Higher Power.”

– Life with Hope, second edition, page 68

Once I got clean, and the fog of marijuana left my body, mind and spirit, I realized that for me a large part of being addicted meant focusing on the negative. I was never exposed to the concept of gratitude until I went to 12-Step meetings. Focusing on what’s wrong was a lifelong habit, but one I wanted to break. Similar to how I don’t want marijuana to steal one more day from me, I likewise don’t want doom and gloom to crowd my day. I choose joy today. I choose to focus on what’s working in my life. Fortunately, I have the Twelve Steps to resolve old resentments and grief.

Marijuana had kept me prisoner for half my life when I was finally able to accept the grace that life offered and I entered recovery. I had no idea what was in store for me: learning who I am; what I value; and how my past had affected me. I learned I had choices, and that I could choose to stay clean, if I could do it one day at a time. There was a person celebrating five years in my first meeting, and I found that impossible to believe. I could not imagine going one week without pot, but the next day I didn’t smoke pot, and I haven’t since then. I’m grateful for the wonderful life I have today, and all the blessings recovery has brought me.

Final thought: Today, I choose to focus on what’s right, and stay away from focusing on what’s wrong.