The decision to dedicate yourself to sobriety is a massive, challenging commitment, as I am sure you know. However, you have made that decision and keep choosing sobriety every moment of the day. You should be deeply proud of yourself! Think of how you felt back then and how you feel now. Think of all the tears and joy in between. You’re here and it’s time to celebrate!
I always encourage recovering addicts to reward themselves for staying true to their sobriety goals. Here are 15 glorious ways to reward yourself for sobriety:
1. Indulge in Gourmet Chocolates
Now that you’re in recovery and everything tastes and smells better, indulge in a few pieces of delicious chocolate. It doesn’t have to be a special occasion. Each clean day you’ve earned through your willpower and efforts IS a special day, so go ahead! Chocolates are little bite-sized bursts of happiness and you deserve it!
2. Hire a Professional Photographer
Addiction can tear down personal beauty and confidence. As you recover, you may begin to delight in the person looking back at you in the mirror. Why not capture this transformation? Reward yourself with a professional photography session. Fully appreciate and admire the new you! The pictures will remind you of how far you’ve come.
3. Volunteer
Put your newfound free time to good use and help others through volunteering. Explore the endless options and find what is most fulfilling for you. You will discover that the greatest reward can often be the chance to ease the burdens of others.
4. Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Imagine the majestic thrill of a hot air balloon ride! You deserve to take in all of that fresh air and witness the beauty of the world. I find this experience to be poetic; many addicts hit rock bottom before committing to recovery. A hot air balloon ride takes you up high, so far from your past life and troubles. So please consider taking this magical adventure!
5. Eat Dinner With Your Family
Eating meals together as a family strengthens your relationships and helps your kids avoid addiction. Go out to your favorite restaurant and order your favorite meal. Relish the time you have with your loved ones. If your family ties are on the mend, it may help to include them in your celebrations of sobriety.
6. Go to the Spa
A massage, facial, manicure, or pedicure pampers your body and helps you relax. Addiction may have forced you to neglect your body and mind, so now is a great time to nurture it and reconnect with yourself. There are also detox treatments that may aid in purging out the bad and welcoming in the good. So why not treat yourself to a spa day?
7. Get a Tattoo
New ink of a special mantra, animal, or symbol is a daring commitment, just like sobriety. If you want to take that plunge, I say go for it! It will serve as a beautiful reminder of your dedication and purpose. A great idea would be to begin a tattoo that can grow, such as flowers that gain a petal each year sober.
8. Buy Hobby Supplies
Hobbies are a wonderful way to fill your time with fun and creativity. As a reward for achieving your sobriety goals, why not browse a craft store and let your imagination run wild? Many of my patients absolutely stun me with their artistic flair, so I urge you to give it a go!
9. Update Your Wardrobe
New clothes with great fit and style can increase your confidence. Recovering is all about reinventing yourself, so a wardrobe that makes you feel dazzling and empowered can work wonders.
10. Buy Jewelry
You deserve lovely items that can be symbolic or just beautiful on their own. Many of my recovered patients wear lotus or phoenix necklaces as a symbol of rebirth. What about the icon for AA? Choose something that brings a smile to your face and strengthens your resolve.
11. Splurge on a Nice Journal or Pen
Writing in your journal is an excellent way to stay focused, untangle your thoughts and express your feelings. Why not gift yourself with a fine journal and smooth-flowing pen? You could have them engraved with your sobriety date or favorite mantra.
12. Visit an Amusement Park
Celebrate with a literal joy ride! The rush and exhilaration will remind you of just how amazing it is to be alive.
13. Take a Trip
Go someplace you never imagined you would get to experience. When you are free from addiction, the world begins to unfold before your eyes; it is a lush, vibrant tapestry of sights, smells, sounds and tastes. You deserve to partake in it all.
14. Invest in Exercise
The Mayo Clinic reports that exercise boosts your mood, and many recovering addicts embrace it as a stress reliever. Invest in new equipment like running shoes, weights, or a yoga mat to help you stay on the wagon. With more energy and willpower, just imagine what your body and mind can be capable of.
15. Upgrade Technology
A new computer or phone will help you stay in touch with your recovery group. Plus, every time you use your new technology, you’ll remember how good it feels to save money for stuff you need and want, just one amazing plus to sobriety.
Recovery is no easy feat. It demands constant vigilance and willpower. To break free from addiction takes courage and commitment. You deserve applause. You deserve to feel good and reward yourself for all of your efforts. You are worth it!
