Jacked Up On OPTIMISM!!
Ever see those people walking down the street with a smile from ear to ear? Do you ever catch yourself wondering, “What the heck could be soo freaking fantastic?!” I will admit, I used to be one of the pessimistic ponderers. Now, I am one of those smilers! The complete serenity and peace I have found in recovery has blessed me with a smile I wear about 90% of the day (the rest of the time I am sleeping!) There are tools to be found in recovery to keep me grinning. After speaking with several positive players in this game of life, I have summarized the Top Five Simple Smile-makers for you.
Number Fiver: Service Work
Getting outside of yourself and feeling the joy in helping someone else (whether in recovery or not) is a great way to boost optimism! Volunteering at the food bank, picking up trash at the park, or even just giving friends a ride around town could be a great way to help out and help yourself! There is a correlation to be found in no longer worrying about your issues when you are busy helping out a fellow. Lend a helping hand… TODAY! 😀
Numero Cuatro: Gratitude
Being thankful and at peace with your blessings makes the tough times easier to swallow. Remembering where you came from, what you have accomplished and where you are headed keeps the clouds at bay and the smiles shining!
Licks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop— 3! : Willingness
Maintaining an open mind and being willing to keep it gives your perspective a “backflip.” Chuck Norris would be proud…
Deuces: Surrender/Acceptance
Giving up hard times as a part of a higher Divine Plan takes the power out the issues you may be suffering from. If you aren’t God, there is no need to play God! Play the tape instead and see where it could take you. Things could all change in an Mmmbop. (Yes, I went there.)
First Place: Experiences
Coming in first would be experiences! *Crowd cheers and an infant child gets kissed on the forehead.* According to Shawshank Redemption, “Either get busy living or get busy dying.” Homies dying was in the past for me. Why continue on in this sober existence without having positive joyful experiences?! For every person, that level of experience will vary. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is waaay two thumbs up! New experiences formulate new thought patterns in the brain and form new habits. These new problem solving patterns fill in the gap where the previous coping mechanism (old drug or alcohol use) used to reside.
Am I a scientist or a doctor? Not yet folks, that experience is still awaiting me, heh. These thoughts are gathered from good ol’ fashioned field research and personal experience! So get out there, be positive and inspire others to do the same!
Love and Light, Adventure Vanessa