The reality of gratitude is that we can be happy people. Happiness is a result of one day at a time recovery that we experience when we keep clean and sober. A roof over our heads, food to eat, access to health care, and having something worthwhile to do are not always guaranteed when we live in a system of meritocracy. Living in recovery from concurrent disorders can reveal this to us in one day at a time living. Realizing this can help us become reasonable and reasonably happy people. As I grow in my recovery, I realize that when I am reasonably happy I can experience joy and freedom. Mental illness and addiction can affect our gratitude, our happiness, and our ability to be reasonable. There are no guarantees in life. Many countries that are based on the system of meritocracy put in safeguards to prevent homelessness, and they have programs to feed those in need. They provide health-care for people including services for our mental health and our overall well being. The problem that occurs though is people fall through the cracks. This happens in imperfect societies. People living with addictions and mental illness know this.
