Gratitude
Mar 9th, 2011 by theculinaryaddict
Gratitude was once something I felt I deserved. Gartitude wasn't a gift- rather a by-product of me doing something for you. Thats what drinking and using did for me. It inflated my ego and self worth to a point that in my minds eye you should be full of gratitude to have me in your life.
Today marks 7......yes, seven years of sobriety. Presently, gratitude isn't a reward, rather a vision of inner warmth, security, and thank-full-ness. It is an inner response to the gift of gratitude which urges me to strive toward a greater sense of humility and self.
The most amazing aspect of gratitude is the opposite of what I once perceived this gift to be-free. Its not earned, bought, merited or attained it is simply a gift that can be be achieved by acceptance which is easily given away.
I am here today because of others. My will landed my ass in rehab so I know my best thinking is incorrect. My amazing life today is a true gift from others- the loved ones, friends, strangers, and all of the uniquely coincidental moments and serendipitous connections that life has to offer. Having the presence to realize, appreciate, and recognizing how gift-ed I am makes '7 years' a very special moment of gratitude.
Notes From The CulinaryAddict:
Yogism from James (my teacher): "Let the space you find in this room lead to perspective in your life."
Recent 12-step Meeting Quote: "I relate to the statement-Alcohol did absolutely everything and nothing for me at the same time."
-Boke Bowl has really taken off. We did our first lunch at OBA! in the Pearl District with over 200 folks turning out in the rain. We had such a good time we are going to do it again on March 28th from 11-1:30pm. I believe we are going to take reservations through OBA's Open Table account. Go to our BLOG for details.
-Also in Boke News we are going to release our logo which was designed and created from two of the more talented folks I've run across, Elsa and Tyler Lang from Always with Honor. Check out there stuff and follow them on twitter. So make sure to check us out in a day or two on our blog-twitter-facebook pages SOON!
Kitchen News and Quotes:
-After 2.5 years, a near deportation, 2 lawyers, 35 days in jail, and $7k later Julian got his driver's license back, however, his car just broke down...but Chris-F-ing-K had it under control. For a mere $40 Chris K got his wrench out and replaced the alternator. I asked Chris if he knew what he was doing and he stated, "I'm a bro-chanic not a mechanic."
-Jake 'the line cook' update- He had to evict his roommate because among other things such as not paying rent for months the dude's dog ate the entire bathroom door.
In other Jake news when asked what he was going to do with his tax return he stated, "Well, I have feed my snake and take care of his pet ferrat who is ill. If any money is left he is thinking of getting a tattoo of a rooster hanging from a noose below his knee. When asked why he stated "So I can win bets that I have a cock that hangs below my knee."
Search Engine Terms (words that lead someone to this blog): 'cornbread ice cream'
Band Name of Week: Pork Leather
Present Kitchen Pandora Selection: The Sword
Wow! 7 years of sobriety– good job! I have noticed that expressing more gratitude to the people in my life has made me feel happier. I also notice a change in some of the grumpier people I rub shoulders with. I make sure I express gratitude to them for little things. It especially has been a blessing to my close family members for them to hear me tell them how grateful I am for all they do for me. More people should try it.