🔵 1 Habit People Who Have Recovered From Alcoholism Share

A Simple Practice That Leads to Lasting Freedom

From: Just West of Otay Lakes

Hey – It’s Luis.

Welcome to Day 8 of the 30-Day Writing Challenge!

I watched It Ends With Us last night on Netflix. Some parts were hard to watch because they stirred up memories—things I processed during two years of counseling. I’m grateful for that journey of healing and growth.

Now, on to today’s writing...

Most people who have recovered from alcoholism share a handful of practices:

• They experience a spiritual awakening as a result of the Twelve Steps.

• They share their experience, strength, and hope with others.

• They have mentors and close friends they can be open and honest with.

• They nourish themselves daily by reading or listening to audiobooks.

• They pay it forward by attending meetings and serving others.

But one habit stands out above the rest:

They pray, wait, and trust in God.

“We learned to trust God rather than trying to understand, manage, and do everything in our lives alone. And by putting that trust in God, we are able to get through our darkest, most difficult, and most fearful times. And we are not ashamed of relying on God, or of needing God. We know that our faith and trust isn’t a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength. Faith is a kind of courage, just as trusting a Higher Power is a kind of courage. And when we ask God to remove our fears and help us focus on better, more important things, we can begin to outgrow our fears.” –Plain Language Big Book

Here’s how it works:

“As we go through our day we pause if we feel upset or filled with doubt, and ask for the right thought or action. We constantly remind ourselves that we are no longer running the show. We say to ourselves many times each day, “Thy will be done.” We are then in much less danger of fear, anger, worry, self-pity, or foolish decisions. We become much more efficient. We do not tire as easily, because we are not burning up energy foolishly like we did when we were trying to control everything in our lives without help from a Higher Power. It works—it really does.” –Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

On November 22nd, I celebrated ten years of continuous sobriety. Through prayer, patience, and trust in God, I discovered a new freedom and a deeper happiness. He guided me to a promised land—a life filled with purpose and peace.

We pray, wait, and trust in God. Why?

Because it works—it really does.

Trusting in God isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength. It’s the courage to let go, the wisdom to pause, and the faith to believe that better days are ahead.

P.S. What’s one habit that has transformed your life? I’d love to hear about it.