People in recovery go through a lot of changes in their life and often feel a mix of emotions. Happiness is one of those emotions and finding happiness in sobriety is a major goal for many people in recovery.
Happiness is often defined as a feeling of contentment or pleasure and can be achieved in a number of ways. It can come from your relationship with your family, friends, community, or just simply from the things you enjoy doing in your free time. Happiness can also be found in the act of giving back, as helping others is a wonderful source of happiness for many people.
It is important to keep in mind that happiness is a process and not an end point. Being able to appreciate the good things in your life is an essential part of finding happiness in sobriety. For example, if you are able to find joy in your sobriety and are surrounded by people who help support you, then you are lucky. You may also find that your sense of happiness is enhanced as you learn new skills in your recovery such as managing finances, learning to play an instrument, or taking up a hobby like painting or writing.
You might also find that your happiness is heightened as you build healthier relationships and make amends with old ones. For example, if you used to spend time with people who drink excessively and they are damaging your health or threatening your sobriety it might be time to distance yourself from them. Happiness in sobriety also includes the ability to recognize that you can’t control everything, even when it seems like you should. It can be a difficult lesson but it is necessary to accept that you cannot always have the outcome you want or protect yourself from harm.
Lastly, being able to forgive yourself and others is essential for happiness in sobriety. It is easy to get stuck in feelings of guilt and resentment but they will only hold you back from finding happiness. Forgiveness is key to moving forward and it can be found in a variety of ways such as practicing mindfulness or praying.
The most important thing to remember is that happiness can be found in the small moments in your daily life. It can be as simple as smiling at a stranger or enjoying the smell of fresh flowers. It is important to focus on what makes you happy and know that happiness is within reach for anyone who is willing to work for it. Keeping in mind that happiness is a journey and not a destination will ensure that you continue to enjoy your sobriety. Happy people are less likely to relapse so find your joy and stay sober! You deserve it. Thanks for reading! –Sally. Sally is a writer and blogger at The Addictions Journal who loves to write about all aspects of addiction, recovery, mental health, and wellness. She is passionate about the power of recovery and believes in its healing abilities. She writes to inspire and hopes her work will encourage people in need of help.
