The value of recovery, and freedom
“What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.” – Thomas Paine
In the whirlwind of life's demands and challenges, how often do we pause to truly think about the value of our recovery journey? It's a question that often fades into the background as we forge ahead, leaving behind the constant vigilance of our early days battling addiction. Despite our best laid plans, that constant vigilance does fade. But perhaps it's time to reignite that flame of introspection and reevaluate just how precious our freedom from addiction truly is.
I've found myself preaching the importance of prioritizing what matters time and time again, yet somehow, I've fallen victim to the very trap I warned others about. Life throws everything at us – financial woes, emotional turmoil, relationship strains, career setbacks – and it's easy to get lost in the chaos, to mistake urgency for importance.
Consider the all-too-relatable scenario of facing mounting bills during a crisis. Initially, we scramble to keep up, determined to meet every obligation. But as the storm rages on, priorities shift, and we find ourselves making tough choices. Rent takes precedence over credit card bills, utilities over luxuries like cable. It's a desperate attempt to navigate the storm while clinging to a semblance of responsibility.
Yet, as time wears on, the urgency diminishes, replaced by a grim acceptance of our circumstances. We learn to distinguish between what truly requires our immediate attention and what can wait. It's a lesson learned through hardship and perseverance, a lesson that could have eased the journey had we embraced it sooner.
The truth is, amidst the chaos and destruction, there lies an opportunity for renewal. Like a forest reborn from the ashes of a wildfire, we too can emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient. The scars of our past serve as a testament to our endurance, adding depth and character to the beauty of our newfound freedom from the latest catastrophe. And there will always be another catastrophe waiting…
So why the sudden shift from reflecting on the value of recovery to contemplating the metaphorical forest fire? It's all about perspective. Every day presents us with choices – to cling to the familiar comforts or to embrace the challenges that lead to growth. True freedom isn't just a concept enshrined in founding documents; it's a state of mind, a conscious decision to break free from the shackles of negativity and chaos. While I personally look to my relationship with God in these moments, and believe whole heartedly my freedom originates from Him, others may look elsewhere. Agreeing with me on matters of faith isn’t necessary to embrace the wisdom of embracing positive change. Ultimately the origins of goodness and positivity is a struggle we will all face, and a subject for another writing.
As we journey through recovery, let us never forget the immense value of the freedom we've fought so hard to attain. Let us cherish each moment of clarity, each victory over adversity, and let us never lose sight of the strength we possess to overcome life's trials. Today and every day, let us honor our recovery by embracing the power to shape our own destinies, free from the chains of addiction and despair.
