Written by a recovered alcoholic and his friend who wanted to have what he was having in his journey to sobriety.
In the years leading up to considering sobriety, I watched Paul Williams and Tracey Jackson being interviewed by Oprah Winfrey about the book they collaborated on: Gratitude and Trust — Six Affirmations That Will Change Your Life.
As you may recall, Paul is the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Grammy-winning songwriter of many outstanding hits, including, We've Only Just Begun, Evergreen, and You and Me Against the World, among others.
Tracey is the author of Confessions of a Shopaholic and a TV and comedy writer.
Their book Gratitude and Trust threw a wrench into my drinking. The book jolted me into taking a deeper look at my alcohol consumption and forced me to ask a few questions.
The most important question was — am I addicted to alcohol? The next one was — what, if anything should I do about it?
It wasn't the first time these questions tickled my brain, and the book impacted me.
Paul was a severe alcoholic and cocaine abuser for decades. When he co-wrote this book, he was sober for 25 years.
Tracey was not addicted to any substance but admitted she had many problems — overspending, a control freak, OCD, and men.
Paul and Tracey have compiled Six Affirmations of Personal Freedom in this book.
I recall writing these affirmations on an index card and reading them daily.
I focused on one at a time, sometimes spending a week on it. Sometimes more.
The years have passed, and other inspiring books have replaced Gratitude and Trust, yet somehow this one materialized in my thoughts today.
I unearthed it from the vast array on my bookshelves. My attention is once again riveted on these six reminders of where I want my awareness to be.
As the authors advise of the affirmations:
To make them effective tools in reconstructing the way you live your life, you’ll need to make them as much a part of your day as your toothbrush, razor, or morning run.
Six Affirmations of Personal Freedom
- Something needs to change, and it's probably me.
- I don't know how to do this, but something inside me does.
- I will learn from my mistakes and not defend them.
- I will make right the wrongs I've done wherever possible.
- I will continue to examine my behavior on a daily basis.
- I will live my life in love and service, gratitude and trust.
The first statement is one that grabbed me by the throat — who me? Immediately, I knew the answer to that was — yes, you!
I spent a lot of time looking at my behavior and what I needed to change. It's probably six years since I read the book and worked on the affirmations. I will again write them on a card and begin over with the first.
As the authors state: "You've turned away from defending your behavior to admitting your culpability. You've recognized your part in the problem and are prepared to change."
The second affirmation asks us to look inward. For me, that is turning to God. For you, it may be different. Maybe you will look for your inner voice or intuition.
The important thing is to understand there is a collaborative spirit inside you connecting to your higher self. Sitting in silence, prayer or meditation will often help you recognize this.
Third — learn from our mistakes and not defend them. I was/am a great defender. It is not an easy habit to break, and I'm glad to have this reminder back in my life. Of course, repeating mistakes is another blunder for me to correct.
Paul and Tracey: "We spend much of our lives running from our mistakes, hiding them, covering them up, lying about them, and often blaming them on others."
Fourth — righting the wrongs we've committed. Luckily, to the best of my recollection, I didn't wrong many people. I was the one I wronged by not believing in myself, by thinking I was weak because I was addicted to alcohol.
The authors remind us that owning our mess is the first step toward healing; it is essential to clean it up by taking action. I'm sorry may be the most necessary words you can speak.
The fifth affirmation may sound like a marathon. Seriously, continue to examine my behavior? Every day?
Yes. Tracey and Paul suggest that we take a close look at our behavior at the end of each day. What didn't you do that you should have done? What did you do that you shouldn't have done? Put those on the top of your to-do list for tomorrow.
And finally, for the sixth, we live in love, service, gratitude, and trust.
If we can do our best every day to keep the first five affirmations centered in our lives, the sixth will unfold naturally.
Gratitude and trust are the predominant emotions, the essence of thankfulness for what we have and knowing that more good is in store.
Sharing our stories and challenges will help others. Service is noticing when someone is in need and doing what we can to address that.
Giving back is service and a way to show love. Being available to your friends and family and yourself is love.
These affirmations work for alcohol addiction and life in general — in all its glory, pain, challenges, and joy.
Can you embrace these affirmations to change and improve your life? Give it a try. What have you got to lose?
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