During this season we hear the word “gratitude” more than any other time of year. During this holiday season, gratitude is not just for those in recovery. People in general focus on giving thanks for what has been gained during the past 12 months.

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” ~Melody Beattie~

For those in recovery, however, gratitude is part of the 24-hour daily cycle of life. Giving thanks in the morning for a day free of compulsive gambling and for the courage to face life on life’s terms is the gambler’s fervent prayer. Likewise at night, the day ends with gratitude for a gambling-free day and appreciation for even the smallest gifts, especially for the gift of one more day of recovery.

“Gratitude changes the pangs of memory into a tranquil joy.” ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer~

During the day, there are opportunities to reflect on lessons to be learned. As the saying goes “when the student is ready, the teacher appears.”

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” ~Melody Beattie~

Being grateful for even the smallest, most ordinary moments is a way to stay with the day and opens the door to a sense of serenity and inner peace.

Any day that you practice gratitude will be a good day! And today would be a very good day to take five minutes to enjoy this beautiful video on the power of gratitude.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zl9puhwiyw]