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Recovery themed, Christian flavored daily reflections for those struggling, recovering, or seeking understanding.
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
James 1:19
It’s no fun biting my tongue, but it’s one of the best things I’ve learned to do.
Before I began attempting to live by spiritual principles, I was quite loose with my words. I was unbridled. And it was energizing.
But I never seemed to get anywhere. Pessimism was a prize I upheld through many of the early years of my sobriety. I could be scathing with my thoughts and words, though I was usually careful to direct them inward.
If my bent towards life came out, I made generalized, satirical remarks tied together with humor and laced with colorful language.
And you know what, it was well received by some who appreciated a cold take on things.
It did little for me in the long run though. As time went on, I needed more of the experience of my elders and less of the outrage of myself.
Though I had made a good beginning with my sobriety, I needed to grow further in other areas. My personality began to shift again as I drew nearer to healthier people.
My language cleaned up…mostly. My thought life cleared up…slowly. My attention to others increased…slightly. My interests changed…subtly.
And you know what? My anger—something that I didn’t even realize was there—calmed down…substantially.
I’m still a fan of quick, witty responses today, but I’d rather be quiet than bitter—no matter how well I disguise the discontent.
God, help me not slip into corrosive thoughts.