30 Things To Show Gratitude For While In Recovery

One of the practices often covered in an addiction rehab program is showing gratitude in recovery. Gratitude is a sign of a noble soul, a blessing, and a way to reflect. During recovery, show gratitude by creating a list of all of the things that you are grateful for. Consider revising this list and adding to it once you complete treatment, and periodically afterward. Your gratitude list is also something to reflect upon during difficult times as a reminder of all the positive things to look forward to.

When in a negative headspace, it may be difficult to think of things that one is grateful for. For that reason, we have developed a list of 30 things to be grateful for in recovery. This list includes generic things such as “Co-workers” and “favorite foods”. It is highly encouraged to be more specific and to only use this list as a guide. Write specific names, places, events, and things. Feel free to include why you are want to show gratitude for each item and how it, or they, have contributed to your recovery.

1. Mental health
2. Physical health
3. Spouse/partner
4. Parents
5. Children
6. Siblings
7. Medications that may have helped you get sober
8. Programs that helped/are helping your recovery
9. Healthcare providers who help helped/are helping in the recovery process
10. Wisdom
11. Intelligence
12. Education (of any level)
13. Neighbors
14. Co-workers
15. Bosses
16. Your Home
17. Skills (cooking, sports, etc.)
18. Laughter
19. Favorite foods
20. Favorite books or movies
21. Random acts of kindness
22. Peace and quiet
23. The weather
24. The seasons
25. Certain scents
26. Health insurance
27. Clothing on your back
28. Food in your belly
29. A roof over your head
30. Hope

Not all of these items will be applicable to every person, and that is okay. Your list should be personal and unique to yourself. The hope is that this list will spark inspiration and help you think about what you are personally grateful for in your journey.

Benefits of a Gratitude List

According to Amy Morin, there are 7 scientifically-proven benefits of gratitude. These benefits include:

1. Opening the door to more relationships
2. Improving physical health
3. Improving psychological health
4. Enhancing empathy and reducing aggression
5. Improving sleep
6. Increasing self-esteem
7. Increasing mental strength

Every single one of the items listed above are items that people in recovery may struggle with at one point or another. That being said, creating a gratitude list and practicing gratitude can help with the recovery process. If there is even a chance that it will help, it’s it worth trying? All you need is a piece of paper and something to write with. Get started on your recovery list today!