One important recovery principle I have re-discovered recently is how to have fun in life.

I actually had to give myself permission to start having responsible fun, rather than being constantly on guard or worrying about what is going to happen next in my life. Or even worse, letting what someone else might think keep me from doing something fun and beneficial for myself.

For example, some friends recently asked me to join them for an evening of live music and dancing at a weekly beach party hosted by a local hotel. My first thought was to say, "No, I'm not much of a dancer." But the alternative was to sit at home on a Sunday night, moping about my divorce or wondering when my life would be normal again. Well, here was an opportunity to do something different and fun. "I'll come out with you," I answered. "But I probably won't dance much."

Wrong. I danced my buns off and had fun doing it. So what if I was sore for the next three days. Who cares? And besides, I lost two pounds over the three and a half hours we danced. The sunset was beautiful; I was in the company of people whom I enjoy being around; and the band was great.

I'm not recommending the party life for those struggling with addictive behavior. I'm recommending having some fun in life. Find something healthy you enjoy doing and do it just for you. Treat yourself. It doesn't have to cost a penny, either. Do it just for the sheer pleasure it brings you.

I'm learning it's OK for me to have fun. It's OK to laugh. It's OK to be with friends and have a good time together. It's OK to lighten up and wear a smile.

Recovery is about giving up taking life so seriously. Recovery is about learning to live. And laugh. And love. And having fun in the process.

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