How Can I Choose Joy When There is So Much Pain Around Me?

My JOY Factory is Immense.

I don't wait for joy,

I manufacture my own.

-Jonathan Lockwood Huie

I learned a new word today in my recovery meeting. The word was "unfettered" and it was partnered with the word Joy. I had never heard of unfettered joy and I really wasn't too sure I wanted any type of Joy to be the topic today. I was thinking a better conversation starter would be how to duct tape my addict in a Christmas box, attach a pretty bow, and mail him to Guatemala. But since It wasn't my turn to pick the topic, unfettered joy it was.

Next, we read the definition:

"Unfettered Joy" is an adjective meaning unrestrained, uninhibited, not controlled or restricted-"FREE"

Even though my first thought may have been to run back to my car and just skip this meeting, I knew I needed to stay. In the past ten months there has not been a single meeting I have attended that I didn't leave better than I was when I arrived. My group has become not just my family, but often my life line back to sanity. We laugh together, we cry together, and most importantly we grow together. I had no doubt that before I left today, I would have a better understanding of Joy and how to implement it in my life.

Anonymity is a huge part of our program, and what is said in our meetings stays in our meetings. But I want to share with you a few take aways from the topic of Unfettered Joy using the definition I learned today!

• Joy is unrestrained. I don't have to always do things the way I always have. Insanity is doing the same things over and over expecting different results. It is time to try something new and unlearn some old behaviors. Change can bring me JOY!

• Joy is uninhibited. I can tell my addict how I feel, have boundaries, and even say "NO, that does not work for me". I can be me, and not worry about what other people think. Saying NO can bring me JOY!

• Joy is not controlled. I don't have to let my addict's behaviors and choices take away my peace. As a matter of fact, it is not my responsibility to control any one elses behaviors. When dealing with addiction, they tell us we didn't cause it, we can't cure it, and we definitely can't control it. That means we are off the hook and we can lay that chore of taking responsibility of our addict at the feet of Jesus. Release brings me JOY!

• Joy is not restricted. There are no limits on my recovery. I have so many resources available to me that can help me navigate this bumpy road of addiction. I can go to a meeting, call my sponsor, reach out to a friend, read my devotionals or practice self-care. Freedom brings me JOY!

• Joy is FREE. One of my favorite Bible verses is Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer Romans 12:12. This verse has been my reminder when navigating trials and tribulations in my life, that I am never alone. As I have worked the steps of recovery and have turned my will over to God, I have experienced a unique kind of freedom. Even though I am not free from the affects of addiction, I am free to have Joy despite it. Jesus brings me JOY!

I am grateful for another impactful lesson and hope you too can CHOOSE JOY this Holiday Season!