I remember growing up and hearing the stories by older people in my family about the kind of life they had compared to mine. Maybe you have heard the, \”walking to school barefoot in the snow uphill both ways\” stories, as well. It has been my experience that each generation of people has their own narratives about life and how to approach things. In earlier times in America, the rugged individual concept guided many a generation. Today it has changed, but the idea of having a narrative remains. We often use narratives to help us stay on track. They become a value system that guide us and hold us accountable to ourselves. Most of the time, the narratives are harmless and beneficial. Unfortunately, in the addictive world they tend to feed the addiction we struggle with.

Often times an addicted person creates the narrative to justify the using or drinking. A person can become the victim. In this scenario, the person meets circumstances that are so overwhelming and perplexing they can stagger the mind. Often in this case the addicted person spends an inordinate amount of time creating a story, time and again, to give the \”reason\” for using. The stories become so convincing and real to the alcoholic or addict that it is difficult for them to see past it.

Whatever the narrative might be, it is important to break its spell if it is feeding the disease of addiction. How does one do this? The twelve steps identify how working a spiritual program can break the narrative and reformat our thinking in all areas of our lives. The Big Book talks about having \”vital spiritual experiences\”…that are…\”huge emotional displacements and rearrangements. Ideas, emotions, and attitudes which were once the guiding forces of the lives… are suddenly cast to one side, and a completely new set of conceptions and motives begin to dominate them.\” (pg. 27 in the abridged Big Book). When this happens, the narratives begin to change.

How is your spiritual program? Are you spending enough time with your Higher Power for that to happen? Spirituality can give you another paradigm to live by. It can change your whole perspective on life. Let us look at the example above. Spirituality can help us see our part in our lives and ask our Higher Power for help and change so we don\’t repeat the same patterns in life. Spirituality allows us to see outside ourselves to the bigger world of service and selflessness, where we can live the principle of forgiveness instead of living in the poison of resentment. Spirituality can help us practice acceptance and tolerance rather than staying in the frustration. My prayer is that you begin working your spiritual program earnestly and look for the opportunities where the God of your understanding can give you spiritual eyes to see by and perhaps live that sober life. Allow God to reformat the narrative of the past with a new and empowered perspective. Then perhaps you can find a new narrative of hope and peace.

Kenneth grew up in many different countries and states. Kenneth completed his BA in Theology in Texas and completed his graduate work in Berrien Springs Michigan. Kenneth works as a Chaplain in Grapevine Texas, is married and is very active in his local church.
www.valleyhope.org

Kenneth grew up in many different countries and states. Kenneth completed his BA in Theology in Texas and completed his graduate work in Berrien Springs Michigan. Kenneth works as a Chaplain in Grapevine Texas, is married and is very active in his local church.
http://www.valleyhope.org

Author Bio: Kenneth grew up in many different countries and states. Kenneth completed his BA in Theology in Texas and completed his graduate work in Berrien Springs Michigan. Kenneth works as a Chaplain in Grapevine Texas, is married and is very active in his local church.
www.valleyhope.org

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: addiction recovery, drug rehab, drug and alcohol treatment centers, alcohol rehab