“You were designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness.” Zig Ziglar
The seven wonders of the ancient world were astounding man-made displays of human ingenuity and creativity in engineering, art, and architecture. They include the Great Pyramid at Giza, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Colossus of Rhodes and others. Recovery, although not equal in scope, can feel like your own amazing achievement, accomplished with great skill, fortitude, and creativity. Below are the first three of seven wonders established through your long-term, ongoing recovery program. Tomorrow, I’ll conclude my list of the greatest recovery benefits.
1. Honorable Character
In and through your recovery you are now able to focus on your character and live according to your own values. Honesty and integrity characterize your attitude and actions. Rather than pretending, deceiving, and lying to your friends and family, you live law abiding and authentic. It isn’t merely a change in behavior that is astonishing, it’s your change in character that makes all the difference. You are kind, thoughtful, patient, creative, and strong-and your external actions are a vivid display of who you are on the inside.
2. Increased Productivity
You are living out your character, allowing you to dream big and do more that matters. I don’t see this as the goal, something to strive for, but rather a result of who you are. Your determination, perseverance, and ability to work hard are an outcrop of your recovery.
3. Relational Integrity
You are becoming consistent in your relationships. Acknowledgement of the pain caused in the past, makes rebuilding trust possible. Even when relationship with children, partners, friends, and family members have been damaged, reliable patterns of interacting can be established. Goals such as raising your children, getting married, or restoring a relationship with your parents, is made possible through your sustained recovery. Demonstrating love, respect, and consideration for others consistently over time will yield monumental results.
Proud and Grateful
These monumental achievements are attained only with hard work, perseverance, and the encouragement of others. As you achieve these recovery milestones, celebrate your efforts and use them as inspiration for the future. Tomorrow, I’ll add four more recovery wonders to this list.
Recovery is a journey. Enjoy the Ride!
