Thought for the Week

Timothy D. Stein, MFT, CSAT

September 4, 2017

When I want to do it least is when I need to do it most.

There are parts of a recovery program that can be difficult:  making phone calls, sharing at meetings, and being transparent with your partner, to name a few.  At times, these actions seem relatively easy.  This is usually when things are going well and we feel confident in our sobriety.  However, there are times when these actions seem excessively difficult.  This is usually an indication that we are struggling in our programs and are afraid of the consequences of letting those closest to us know we are struggling.  Ironically, when healthy recovery behaviors seem hardest to do is when these actions are most important.  They open the door for us to receive understanding and guidance from our support community.  They eliminate secrets from our relationships and create space for healing.  It is an important skill of recovery to feel resistance to some part of your program and do it anyway.

What parts of my program have I had resistance to?  What have been the consequences of avoiding these parts of my program?  What gifts await me as I learn to feel resistance and do it anyway?