"And we ceased fighting anything or anyone…" from 12-Step literature.
This is a principle we learn in sobriety. And it’s one we should try to live by - in good times and bad.
I bring this up today because a TLC manager was fired for fighting with a client. Now normally we discharge anyone from the program for fighting. But because these two didn't fight on the property, they were given a break. Although the former manager will likely receive more consequences.
At TLC we've always held managers as more responsible than clients. That's because managers have more sobriety and experience. And they should know better than to get into confrontations - especially with the newly sober. Or with anyone else for that matter.
One reason we get sober, I believe, is because we tired of the insanity in our lives. Yet what is fighting and arguing with other people? In my mind it's another form of insanity, of us getting our egos involved in things that really don't matter.
Many times those in confrontations say they were “defending” themselves because they were “disrespected,” as if that's an acceptable excuse to throw a punch. However, the law generally defines self-defense as when a person fights to protect themselves in a situation from which they can’t escape. If one can run from an assault - but doesn't - it's not self-defense to use physical force
Our job at TLC is to help recovering addicts rebuild their lives. We only do that when we teach others how to live in peace and serenity.
amen to that. when I arived at tlc the driver assured me that the house was a "safe and sober environment" and that I held onto. I could stay on the street for anything less
ReplyDeleteI've always heard ~ "A man has the right to swing his arms, but that right ends where another mans noes begins."
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