Wisdom Of The Rooms - 2017

[bluidkiti]

July 24

Quote of the Week

“Happiness is not having what I want, but wanting what I have.”

I spent many years trying to get things to make me happy. If only I could get my college degree, then I’d be happy. As soon as I get the right job, then I’ll feel fulfilled. When I meet “the one,” then I will be complete and happy. If only I had a newer, bigger car, then I’d feel accomplished. With each package UPS delivered, I’d feel excited for about ten minutes, then I’d feel empty again.

When I entered the program, I was hoping that sobriety would fix not only my drinking, but also my steady state of unhappiness. I was sure that if only I could get a thirty day chip, then a six month chip, or finally a whole year, then I’d be happy. It was certainly a shock to me to be five and even seven years sober and still find I had days that I was sure the next UPS delivery would fix me. Thankfully, I learned an enduring truth that always works when I work it.
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My sponsor taught me, over and over, that things will never bring me that sense of completeness or happiness I seek. He told me that true fulfillment is in the giving, not the getting. I discover the wisdom of this when I work with others. They always give me more than I give them. In addition, he taught me how to feel grateful for all the wonderful things I already do have: my health, sobriety, a roof over my head, money to buy food, a job, etc. He told me that when I want what I already have, that’s when I will realize I already have everything I need to be as happy as I choose to be.