You can achieve anything; the only thing that holds you back is attitude.

Having the right attitude is crucial for sobriety. A story that illustrates this is about John, a man I met in recovery who believed the world owed him something. It annoyed me when he talked in recovery meetings because he was never positive. He continually ranted about problems and was a downer for the room.

John often reacted negatively to minor inconveniences and blamed others. This alienated his friends and family, leaving him isolated and resentful. Sure, he was coming to recovery meetings but was alone because nobody wanted to spend time with him.

The turning point came when John attended a meeting where he heard others sharing stories of gratitude and positivity despite their challenges. John raised his hand and began ranting, and an old-timer interrupted him: “If you’re not going to acknowledge the hardship of the speaker, then the room doesn’t want to hear from you!” This was an eye-opener. He realized that his attitude was a barrier to his recovery.

Perhaps he needed a direct intervention to see his selfish ways. John worked to shift his perspective. He started practicing gratitude, focusing on what he had rather than what he lacked. He started making coffee before meetings and staying late to stack chairs. John learned to approach situations with a positive outlook. As a result, his relationships improved, he felt happier, and he found it easier to cope with the ups and downs of sobriety.

The story of John highlights that a negative attitude can lead to consequences like isolation and unhappiness. In contrast, a positive attitude opens up opportunities for growth, better relationships, and overall well-being. It's about taking responsibility for one's perspective and choosing an outlook that supports personal growth.

Let’s check our attitude and ego at the door.