“When we recall the past, we usually find that it is the simplest things—not the great occasions—that in retrospect give off the greatest glow of happiness.”
— Bob Hope
As we grow in the recovered life we begin to change the way we think. Whereas in the past we seemed to look back at our challenges we now begin to look at our joyful experiences. Often it is just the little things that bring us the most joy. I remember quite a few years ago my son Liam was playing in a three on three soccer tournament. It was the hottest day imaginable in August on the water with no wind. A crazy day in that usually the wind would be blowing off the bay! Liam is and was at the time a phenomenal soccer player. He was tearing it up with goals and assists getting back on defense truly the whole package.
However, Liam had asthma and the heat, exhaustion, and the sun began to play havoc on him in the finals. At one point he looked to the side and put his hands on his lungs to tell me he was struggling. I yelled to him to take himself out he looked and said, “no, I need my inhaler”. To this point they had not given up a goal in 5 or 6 games they were tied still with a team they beat earlier at zero – zero. I tossed him his inhaler and he finished the game, a one to nothing loss. He came to the side and said “dad, I gave it all I had”! He did not make an excuse up at all.
Looking back it is days like that I remember fondly. While in early recovery I looked at the challenges in my life that I faced. I focused on the negative rather than the joy of the past, the little things! Today my “Hope” lies in the future as I continue to build memories that are positive and exciting! For all of us in recovery if we stay positive today and put the next right foot forward we have a solid hope for our future. Life is goooooooood!
Go, Go, Go…
Dan 🙂