Recovery Dictionary

"By studying the principles of symbolism we can learn not to be unconsciously influenced by language, and in this way can escape a host of erroneous notions."— Bertrand Russell

This is my online Recovery Dictionary. It is a work in progress. Each word will link to the essay in which it appeared, or was most prominent in the case of words which have been in more than one essay. I am a firm believer in the power of language and by extension, belief. I am learning to be more mindful of my thoughts and beliefs, and I have found that actually choosing what specific words mean to me to be a powerful tool in my recovery. It is my goal to continuously update this particular page with each new essay. I hope to be up to the challenge, as I already have some difficulty meeting my current goal of six posts per month. It will be fun to try at the very least.



dictionary - a reference book (or list) containing an alphabetical list of words, with information given for each word, usually including meaning, pronunciation, and etymology.

Obviously I am only dealing with the meanings, and often in an arbitrary fashion - one which works best for me. This is after all, my dictionary, for my own vocabulary. I try my best to choose meanings for the words of my language which benefit me the most, which will most effectively help me to grow, to stay clean - to recover.

vocabulary - a list or collection of the words or phrases of a language, technical field, etc., usually arranged in alphabetical order and defined.

There will be a permanent link to the evolving version of this page on the main links section on the side of the page. This version here (this blog entry) will stay as it is right now. The permanent separate page (found here) will evolve with each new essay. Considering how much work I had to put into building this one up I decided I may as well make a post out of it to help me meet my (self-imposed) quota.

I always appreciate any comments or if you spot any errors or inconsistencies (especially with the links). Thanks.

“When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean - neither more nor less.” - Lewis Carrol

Rob's Recovery Dictionary

acceptance - the act of assenting or believing.

addict - verb, to apply or devote (as oneself or one's mind habitually; give (oneself) up or surrender oneself as a constant practice.
noun, one showing zealous interest; an enthusiastic devotee; one who habitually uses and has an uncontrollable craving for an addicting drug

appreciate - To recognize the quality, significance, or magnitude of.

appreciation - thankful recognition; clear perception or recognition.

arrogance - offensive display of superiority or self-importance; overbearing pride.

attitude - A relatively stable and enduring predisposition to behave or react in a characteristic way.

awareness - having knowledge; conscious; cognizant; mindful; perception.

balance - a state of equilibrium or equipoise; mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgment, etc.

belief (2) - Mental acceptance of and conviction in the truth, actuality, or validity of something.

choice - the right, power, or opportunity to choose; option:

complacency - a feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger, defect, or the like.

control - to exercise restraint or direction over; dominate; command; to hold in check; curb.

conviction - a fixed or firm belief.

denial - disbelief in the existence or reality of a thing.

destine - To determine beforehand; preordain: To assign for a specific end, use, or purpose:

destiny - the predetermined, usually inevitable or irresistible, course of events;

determine - to decide upon, choose.

equanimity - The quality of being calm and even-tempered; composure.

equilibrium - mental or emotional balance; equanimity.

equipoise - an equal distribution of weight; even balance; equilibrium.

fact - knowledge or information based on real occurrences.

faith (2) - belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence.

fate - something that unavoidably befalls a person; fortune; lot: death, destruction, or ruin.

force - force - n. power to influence, affect, or control; mental or moral strength; v. to compel, constrain, or oblige (oneself or someone) to do something

freedom - exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc; the power to determine action without restraint.

frustration - a feeling of dissatisfaction, often accompanied by anxiety or depression, resulting from unfulfilled needs or unresolved problems.

grateful - an appreciative attitude for what one has received.

habit - an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary.

hubris - Overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance: presumption toward the gods

humble - adj. - low in rank, importance, status, quality, etc.; courteously respectful: verb - to lower in condition, importance, or dignity; to destroy the independence, power, or will of; to make meek

humility - modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance.

influence - n. the action or process of producing effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of another or others: v. to move or impel (a person) to some action:

intend - direct one's attention to.

intention - an act or instance of determining mentally upon some action or result.

knowledge - acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation; general erudition: knowledge of many things.

laziness - averse or disinclined to work, activity, or exertion.

magic - the art of producing a desired effect or result through the use of various techniques that presumably assure human control of supernatural agencies or the forces of nature; any extraordinary or mystical influence.

manifest - Clearly apparent to the sight or understanding

manifestation- outward or perceptible indication; materialization:

mental - of or pertaining to the mind.

modest -having or showing a moderate or humble estimate of one's merits, importance, etc.; free from vanity, egotism, boastfulness, or great pretensions.

opinion - a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty.

patient - bearing provocation, annoyance, misfortune, delay, hardship, pain, etc., with fortitude and calm and without complaint, anger, or the like.

positive - emphasizing what is laudable, hopeful, or to the good; constructive: confident in opinion or assertion; fully assured: showing or expressing approval or agreement; favorable:

power - ability to do or act; capability of doing or accomplishing something.

practice - repeated performance or systematic exercise for the purpose of acquiring skill or proficiency; habitual or customary performance.

presumption - an assumption, often not fully established, that is taken for granted in some piece of reasoning: unwarrantable, unbecoming, or impertinent boldness.

priorities - something given special attention.

procrastination - to defer action; delay.

reality - something that constitutes a real or actual thing, as distinguished from something that is merely apparent.

render - to give back or restore

resent - to feel or show displeasure or indignation at (a person, act, remark, etc.) from a sense of injury or insult.

serene - calm, peaceful, or tranquil; unruffled

struggle -to contend with an adversary or opposing force; to advance with violent effort

supernatural - of or relating to the immediate exercise of divine power; miraculous.

surrender - to cease trying to control or retain and agree to yield

truth - conformity with fact or reality

valid - producing the desired results

work - exertion or effort directed to produce or accomplish something

yield - to give or render as fitting, required, or rightfully owed