Thought for the Week

Timothy D. Stein, MFT, CSAT

October 19, 2015

Ant on top of an elephant

If you are an ant on top of an elephant, you can walk North as long as you want but if the elephant is heading South, South is where you will go.  In recovery, it is important to not only be aware of the actions I am taking but also in what direction is my “larger system” moving.  Am I going to meetings but enjoying the cheerleaders and beer commercials during the football game too much?  Am I reading my daily meditations but hanging out with friends who make sexual jokes and comments consistently?  If I change my actions but ignore my “larger system,” I will end up stuck in my addiction.

How has my environment worked against my recovery?  What choices can I make to change my environment?  What gifts await me if I get on an elephant going the direction of my recovery?