Addiction can make us feel worthless like we’re wasting our life. That’s because addiction is an unproductive selfish endeavor where nothing gets accomplished except chaos and trouble. People with addictions do have positive traits, but they also waste time participating in useless activities.

During the end of my drinking “career,” I constantly felt guilty because I knew I shouldn’t be indulging. It was hard to believe there was anything good about me. I constantly felt pathetic. Drinking eventually made my life miserable.

When I got sober, I shifted my energy from partying to sobriety, but I was essentially the same person because I didn’t do the work on my character. In my addiction, I saw my bad qualities, but as I began to work on my defects, the curtain slowly rose, giving me a more optimistic view of myself. 

After a year of sobriety, I realized I was genuine, empathetic, kind, ambitious, and curious - many great things. It was only after uncovering the addictive behaviors that I manifested these attributes that were present all along.

What are your strengths? Are they hidden beneath shame and guilt? Uncovering your authentic self takes time but look under the disease to see the greatness within.  Acknowledge and celebrate your positive traits and qualities. Self-awareness includes recognizing your strengths.

* For Sober coaching with Justin, click here.

** For Justin's 90 Days of Sobriety course, click here.

*** To buy Daily Sober, click here.