Downsizing

Lisa and I are getting settled into our new little "bungalow" of a home and it has made me think about how much things have changed in the last 7 months. Of course a lot has changed from a materialistic stand point - we went from a 3000 sq. ft. house to our quaint little 750 sq. ft. condo, we've sold thousands of dollars worth of our stuff and we're watching our budget closely. But those changes are minimal compared to the changes in our relationships and outlook on life.

We have no more secrets. Or I should say that I have no secrets, as I was the one living the double life. Lisa and my friends and family know everything that is going on in my life. And I mean EVERYTHING. It is such a freedom to not have to hide. That is one of the things for which I am most grateful about recovery.

We talk. While we still have disagreements at times, it is amazing how many problems are resolved through just communicating. Before, I was so filled with shame and Lisa with resentment, that every word out of our mouth was based on hate. Now we strive to speak through love. We've been working through the Love Dare book - http://thelovedarebook.com/ - and it has been a great resource for guiding us to a healthier, connected relationship.

We have friends. A big part of addiction is isolation. Through our recovery we have discovered what it is to have connected friendships. It is amazing to sit down with someone and talk about more than the weather and politics. Talk about feelings, fears, joys, hopes, and the deeper content of life. It is so easy to be shallow, and it is perpetuated in our culture with so little focus on substance, and so much focus on things like celebrity.

We have hope. Even though we're facing some serious consequences that could seperate us for many years, we have hope today that no matter what, our life is going to be better than it ever has been. Through Christ, our family and friends we have been given so much grace and support through these times and we have faith that if we keep up our end of the deal, we'll come out on the other side better people.

We have purpose. We're living for more than just getting by now. Our connectedness to God, each other and to family and friends has helped us be a part of something bigger than ourselves. We are living with a purpose to lift up each other and the people around us. What a gift.

I could go on, but I think you get the idea.

God bless.