Gratitude

Canadian Thanksgiving always falls on the second Monday in October. It was observed before confederation, but it was celebrated for the first time after Confederation on April 5, 1872. Its history is a bit confusing, and there are several myths about when it was first observed and why. In 1879 it was observed in November, but it was moved to October so that it didn’t conflict with Remembrance Day, which occurs on November 11. This happens to coincide with Columbus Day and National Indigenous People’s Day, which our southern neighbours celebrate. October coincides much better with our harvest time, and as you know, we Canadians see it as a time to celebrate the harvest and our families. At our thanksgiving feast tables, we often speak of the things for which we are grateful. And, of course, we spend the day watching the CFL doubleheader football games!

Recently I was rereading the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, and on page 193, I read about David B, one of the Canadian founders of A.A. His chapter is titled “Gratitude in Action.” His story, like so many in the Book, is fascinating. He talks of his first drink at 16, how he was an “active alcoholic from the first day…” and that the confidence it gave him as an insecure teen was amazing. He says that alcohol gave him something he didn’t want to lose. As his life spiralled downward, he tried to convince himself that his bad luck had nothing to do with his drinking.

His drinking caused him nothing but chaos. In a Montreal jail, he discovered that his drinking was now an avoidance strategy. By drinking, he could avoid seeing what he had become.

Through his sister, he discovered A.A. As his life began to turn around, he made the profound discovery that he was now thinking about others instead of himself. He notes that his life became full and he was full of gratitude. As an avowed atheist, he speaks of his surrender to a higher power. He shares his gratefulness to God for his new life, for the restoration of his family, and for his new innermost change which means that he no longer needs to drink. He concludes by saying that he will keep his hand in the hand of God.

As you ponder what you are thankful for this Thanksgiving month, like David B, keep an ‘Attitude of Gratitude’ and constantly remind yourself of who and what you are grateful for in your life. You can make your recovery journey one of gratefulness and success as you enjoy the new life you have been given.

Dr. John R.

— President & CEO, Simon House