I hope wherever you are, you know Recovery is with you right where you are.
When change and growth are not part of our Recovery, and we do not take seriously the way fear can blind us, our Recovery can become focused on staying the same. We may spend more time protecting what we already believe about ourselves than allowing God to change us. We may think we are Recovering, but we are really just holding on to the old way of living.
Gently and compassionately, we can admit that resisting change is common. Some of us love the past more than we trust the present and future. We often hear and share only what we are ready to receive. Most of us are not “early adopters” of Recovery. Yet even the example of our peers is shown by their willingness to change and adjust when life brings new circumstances.
Those who refuse to change can become stuck. We can save ourselves much distress and judgment by learning when, where, with whom, and how to talk about the deeper things of Recovery and spirituality. We need to invite people into our lives who are willing to tell us what we may not be ready to hear. They speak because something needs to be said, and because they care enough to tell us the truth.
I have a few people in my life whom I trust to tell me what I need to hear, not simply what I want to hear. When I become stuck in the muck of my Recovery, I often realize that I am pushing down thoughts and feelings I would rather avoid. When this happens, I reach out to my “truth tellers.” They may be my wife, a close friend, my spiritual director, or someone in my support group.
If we do not have a wise person who can both challenge us and help us feel safe, we can easily become lost in our own thinking. Richard Rohr reminds us that wise people, especially those who are early in their (Recovery), can be deeply vulnerable during times of emotional crisis. We need people who can walk beside us with both truth and compassion.
Early Recovery prepares us for the great gifts of a deeper spiritual life and a closer relationship with God. It is like preparing a safe and stable place where something new can grow. Recovery gives us a foundation where our hearts can slowly open to God, to ourselves, and to others.
Remember, Recovery is happening right now, in this moment.