Available Now

A little bit of gratitude goes a long way. A little bit of alcohol does not. A lot of alcohol does not either, not for alcoholics like me. Always enough. Never enough. There is always enough good to be found to help generate more good and keep me moving in the right direction. There would never be enough alcohol to cure what ails my mind. It would kill me first.

That’s a sharp edge to start with, but a true one. Both gratitude and alcohol are available to me now. I wouldn’t need to travel far to have alcohol in my hands. The good news, the really good news, is that I don’t need to travel anywhere to find gratitude. Just to my heart and soul, and in whatever surroundings I find myself in at this moment.

No worries. I am not considering picking up a drink. But as an alcoholic in ongoing recovery, it is important to remember that I am just a drink away from trouble. Big trouble. That helps me stay motivated to do daily work for the daily disease I have.

I was standing in line at the post office when I saw these words “available now” on a poster for stamps. It surprises me sometimes when and where I get the support and inspiration that I need. Two simple words on a sign, and off I go to write this post.

Not just write this post, but also actively take to heart that not only is gratitude available in this moment, so are patience and acceptance. Not only is alcohol easily acquired, so are wrong-sized ego, fear, self-pity and judgement.

What helps me pick up helpful tools instead of destructive ones? Practices like writing down and sharing gratitudes, physical exercise and generating endorphins, pausing to focus on my breathing or listening to a short meditation, reaching out to a trusted friend and being honest about my current state. Helpful tools or destructive ones. Which am I sharpening today?

Available now . . . the makings of a good day, or a tough one. It’s up to me. It’s up to you.

I will be taking a blog break over the holidays. See you in 2026!