Joining the Human Race

Part of the evolution from being a self-centered, self-absorbed addict is when we start getting sober and realize we're part of the larger human race.

While, of course, this is my opinion, I think that when we realize we’re part of the larger community we start looking at those around us and realize that maybe our situation is not so bad. For example, I dealt with a client the other day who was very concerned about the type of food we serve at TLC.

He was on the verge of being a homeless when he arrived. He's on probation with his employer. His wife left him a long time ago, and his children really don't want him around because he's so unpredictable. He has no money or resources. Yet he was extremely concerned about his living conditions and the food.

While I understand that people like to eat and live well, when they're living in a halfway house in early recovery it's probably better that they focus on why they’re there in the first place.

Once sober for a while then we may realize that there are many in the world who are really suffering. There are those who can't afford food and have no place to live other than a shelter. Many can't afford medical care. There are young people who are suffering from serious illnesses.

When we look at the world around us we can realize that we have it pretty good.