Thought for the Week

Timothy D. Stein, MFT, CSAT

October 2, 2017

“When a beginner knows what he needs, he proves more intelligent than an absent-minded sage.” –Lao Tzu

Getting sober is hard work.  Finding the life balance that comes with recovery is hard work.  And, maintaining your sobriety and recovery continues to be work.  An alcoholic five years sober does not start hanging out at the bar without consequences.  A recovering, compulsive over eater does not stock the kitchen with chips and ice cream without consequences.  Likewise, a sex addict who does not maintain awareness of their program is setting themselves up for difficulties.  And, while maintaining sobriety may become easier with time, there is no such thing as recovery auto-pilot.

What did I need to create sobriety early in my recovery?  Am I consciously aware of what I need now to maintain my sobriety and recovery?  What gifts await me as I consciously maintain my recovery program even when sobriety becomes easier?