A while back I hired a non-addict, a so-called "normie," to work as my office assistant. I've never had anyone working in my office so it's been interesting to see the reaction of a non-addict to the behavior of those who are addicts.
For example, the management team made a decision to dispose or donate some outdated workout equipment that had been donated to us earlier in the year. For one thing it was much too bulky for the space we had for it. And the other thing, is that that there was conflict when someone was trying to study their recovery literature at the other end of the room while someone was using the machines and making a lot of clanging noise.
Our decision created a minor uproar among the exercisers before they had a chance to think the situation through. After all, we're here to work on recovery first. Exercise can be part of the picture, but anything that interferes with learning about recovery is not a priority.
My assistant was kind of surprised about the intense emotion our decision brought among some of the clients and managers. I explained to her that one of our jobs at TLC is to help clients - and managers - understand that life is full of changes as long as we're breathing. And part of staying sober is accepting that things might be different tomorrow. Just because we don't like change doesn't mean we need to get drunk or put a needle in our arm. Or even throw a tantrum.
Those in true recovery understand that life is sometimes a rollercoaster of disappointments and that if we accept that idea we can get through most any difficulty.
My assistant will be much more knowledgeable about addicts once she moves on.
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