Thought for the Week

Timothy D. Stein, MFT, CSAT

July 31, 2017

“In order to have faith in his own path, he does not need to prove that someone else’s path is wrong.” –Paulo Coelho

Recovery is an individual process.  Everyone must find what program works for them.  However, it is important that this process be about self-discovery and not criticism of others.  Finding that Tai Chi works for you does not mean that meditation has no value for others.  Realizing that an open sharing meeting is effective for you does not mean that a step study meeting is not helpful to others.  Because your particular 12-step program fits you does not mean the other 12-step programs are not effective and valuable to others.  When providing feedback to others, we can share what we have found important and effective for us as options for others to consider and explore without expecting others to follow our program or path.

When have I been judgmental of others?  Regardless of whether I believed I was right or not, was this helpful to them?  Was this helpful to me?  What gifts await me as I find faith in my ever evolving program without proving that “someone else’s path is wrong?”