After relatively minor outpatient
surgery last Monday I received messages from well-wishers. And I appreciated those messages. Some were from family, some from friends.
And I know they came with love and
good intentions. Yet, one message I received left me with mixed feelings.
This message came from a recovery
friend from out-of-state whom I'v known for years. And during his call he gave health tips and
advice about how to "take care" of myself.
While I'm sure he's had the best of
intentions, he doesn't always engage in healthy behaviors.
He's been sober a while and is about
60 pounds overweight. He smokes. He doesn't exercise. And he spends much of his leisure time
vegging in front of the television. He
has high blood pressure and cholesterol problems.
I won't follow his advice about
healthy living.
It’s like someone giving advice about
recovery when they can't stay sober themselves.
I resolve the conflict in my head by realizing
his message was one of love. And that I
need to be nonjudgmental for my own serenity.