Thought for the Week

Timothy D. Stein, MFT, CSAT

June 13, 2016

Acknowledge and Embrace the Discomfort

“I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches.  If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers.  To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness, and the willingness to remain vulnerable.” –Joseph Addison

We all suffer in addiction.  As we move into recovery, there can be a tendency to want to avoid acknowledging the wreckage we have created in our life and the lives of others.  However, avoiding this acknowledgment does not teach and, therefore, does not allow for real change in us or others.  Only by wading through the wreckage with understanding, patience, love, openness, vulnerability, and mourning all that we have damaged, do we allow for true change.

When have I bypassed the uncomfortable aspects of recovery? Did true change or only superficial change emerge?  What gifts await me as I acknowledge and embrace the discomfort of my addiction and recovery?