Eyes on the Prize

This is quite an amazing world in which we all live. It is full of so much wonder and beauty. But is also a very busy place, full of very distracting things and experiences. I am here today to remind us all to put aside the din and the noise, to keep our eyes on the prize.

Every last one of us goes into our new day wanting to increase our happiness and limit our pain. Some of us have very specific plans of what those things are. But regardless the differences between us, we all are engaged in a version of this practice.

I’ve heard it said that if you want to know what is really important to you, look at what you spend your time and money on. If we are in active addiction, we will come to the discomforting conclusion that what we prize the most is ourselves. Feeling better; avoiding pain. If you really want to grow in this activity, look at how much control and manipulation that you apply to life’s circumstances in an effort to make what you want to happen. If you do these things, you will find out what you prize the most. So where do I cast my gaze?

On living a good, honest life feeling protected and safe.

For me, what I now prize is way different than what I once did. For the longest time, money and power are what I valued the most. I valued control and influence. I valued having things the way that I wanted them.

Today, I know that what I prize more than anything else is an active, functional relationship with my Higher Power. It is what allows me to live comfortably in my skin and be reasonably happy regardless of how many points I’m scoring. Whiskey, flesh and pearls are no longer able to relieve my anxiety, lessen my depression and produce personal fulfillment. This day and as many more as God will give me, I will seek to improve my relationship with Him and let the pieces fall where they may.

Thank you
Jim

James A. Francetich is a freelance writer and author. The opinions expressed are solely of the author and do not represent any community based recovery programs, private or public entities or any governmental agencies.