As I was thinking of a title. I thought to myself if there is truly a difference between the two words RESPOND and REACT. To RESPOND is to say something in return or make an answer. REACTION can be defined as the resistance or opposition to a force, influence, or movement. When I come to a cross-roads like this I try to remind myself to use “I statements.” Just as everything in life. This comes down to individual perception in my opinion. No matter if I choose to RESPOND or REACT. If either is done with negative intention then I will get negative results. I do my best to approach every situation with an attitude of positivity. It is not always easy. It doesn’t always just instantly work as soon as something pisses me off. My mind doesn’t automatically go to the positive in every situation. I had a frustrating visit to the doctor this morning and it took me a while to calm down. Come to the realization I was losing my temper and find a way to turn the situation into a positive. I struggle. I’m human. But I know that when I let a negative situation influence me to respond negatively. I get exponentially negative results in return. I know this to be fact from numerous self involved experiments. I know that when I work every day to be more optimistic and to find the positive in multiple avenues of my life. Things are much easier. This is by no means a simple task. It is similar to physical fitness. In order to run a marathon successfully you have to train for it every day until you are ready to run. Even after running most runners continue to train every day to continue building their endurance. My attitude of positivity is very similar. It is something I mindfully practice every day. I look for ways to turn things that throw me off. Into things that allow me to be grateful for where I am in my journey. I am a corner cutter. Always have been. But keeping a positive outlook has allowed me to see the process and work it takes to be successful as a gift. Not many people have the strength to face the things I have and say they want to take their life back. Today I enjoy my life and work to always remain in a glass half full mentality. I understand that it will take vigilance and endless effort and I am grateful to have the mental clarity to be able to provide whatever it will take to reach my goal and enjoy my life in RECOVERY!!!!
Today I can say I am grateful for my life and I am coming to realize my purpose. It is up to me to make the best of the journey I must take to reach what I see as success. Remaining positive and being mindful of what I’ve been through to get what I have helps me to be forever appreciative of everything I will go through. There will be good. There will be bad. But my only obstacle is me and I could have lost it all in active addiction. I must maintain my vigilance and be thankful for the gift of a new way to live!!!!
Many Of Us Have Said,
Take my will and my life. Guide me in my recovery. Show me how to live!!!!
Transformed By Truth 