A friend in recovery struggles. She hasn't relapsed. But she hasn't found the ongoing serenity the 12-steps offer us.
She seems to want a perfect recovery. But it's rarely that way. She wants to do everything right - but in her mind she's not there.
She vents her frustration on her boyfriend over minor things. Even though he's trying his best. Fortunately, he recognizes that her struggles aren't with him. But within her.
Those I know in successful recovery live in reality. We don't always enjoy peace and serenity. We're not always on an emotional high.
Dealing with our addict nature requires us to use the tools of the program.
We learn to love ourselves. To forgive ourselves. We learn that perfection is an illusion that we never achieve. And if we do, so what? Who cares?
But the biggest thing we learn is that acceptance trumps everything. When we're in acceptance life works out just fine.
Click here to email John
