To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.<\/p>\r\n

Oscar Wilde<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\nAddiction to recovery. No greater change happens in the life of a man or woman than moving into a place of real growth from compulsive drinking, drugging and or sexing. Real recovery that is. The unexpected variety where worn out beliefs and toxic emotions fade into the fabric of yesterday. Replaced by a new present. Looking ahead to a new future.\r\n\r\nNot white-knuckling or \u201cI just stopped on my own\u201d with no personal growth work. Rather, the tough kind made of sweat and tears, where you cut through feelings of doubt and fear and muscle your way into hope and courage. All through surrender and letting go.\r\n\r\nWonder how it all happens. Move forward, fashion a new life, get past old, destructive habits to find new ground. Life-changing NEW GROUND. Like watching someone disappear at the wave of a magician\u2019s hand. And suddenly reappear. From non-being into someone - escaping death and coming back to life. When the journey seems insurmountable and the odds of getting there appear brutal.\r\n\r\nOne author argues that with all the prescriptions for personal development in our world today, the one thing that\u2019s missing is our tendency to focus on areas of life that don\u2019t really matter. Could be the new car, career advancement, the latest smart phone, etc. All of these are ideas of how to be happy in life. Instead, he argues, we need to focus on matters related to the soul and spirit \u2014 and the exciting agendas that flow out of some kind of focus on intrinsic values, virtues and divine inspiration.\r\n\r\nTrue recovery from addiction, especially in the later stages, depends on aiming high. Reflecting a desire to live a new life centered on a compelling<\/strong> vision of change and newness. One we have chosen. One that honors our intrinsic spiritual nature. Not just filling our lives up with new cars and collecting \u201cthings.\u201d\r\n\r\nSuccess in recovery requires a new starting point, new beginnings filled with fresh joy, deep wells of love and a growing fearlessness. Goes beyond mastering slips and relapses but into a place where you tether yourself to what needs to happen next. And you stay anchored against the winds of relapse that unhook us from a new day. Decisions that support growth and encourage us to abandon false paths that lead nowhere.\r\n\r\nSo, some thoughts that lead somewhere new. Out of the prison of destructive, go-nowhere acting out. To looking inside and molding the spirit into desires that matter and heal. That lead to real love and belonging. Like clay in the potter\u2019s hand, carving out a new vessel placed in a brazen fire that hardens new habits and assumptions about life. The hottest fire that breads hope and aliveness. That can redefine you as a parent, lover, friend and even soul-mate to your wife.\r\n\r\n1. Let go of despair<\/strong> - the infection of the \u201cI will never change\u201d or \u201cI can\u2019t do it\u201d virus. This means challenging negative beliefs that nothing new ever happens in your life. You created a life of addiction. You can create a life of conviction. Of solid beginnings and greater possibilities.\r\n\r\n2. Think of your new life as a life of creation. <\/strong>Through meditation, prayer and determination, reflect on your own vision for a new life. With addiction, you haven\u2019t wanted much more than the next use or high. So what do you want? What excites you? Do your best to think \u201cbig\u201d and don\u2019t limit yourself to possessions or goals that don\u2019t support a bigger vision of joy and contentment.\r\n