A person in recovery told me, Many people out there try to get clean and can’t. I know, certainly in my case, if this were about willpower, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. Because when I set my mind to do something, it gets done. Not this. Not this.
My reflection: When my son was in active addiction, I told him, Stop. Just stop. I, too, thought that it was a matter of resolve, strength of character, or pure emotional muscle. It took me fourteen years to learn how wrong I was.
Today’s Promise to consider: If addiction were a matter of sheer willpower, we would have many fewer suffering people. There’s a reason Step One in AA is: We admitted we are powerless over our addiction – that our lives had become unmanageable. For our family, recovery was found when we acknowledged that willingness, as opposed to willpower, was the bridge to healing. Let us muster compassion for loved ones who are struggling, and let us support their efforts when they become WILLING to seek help.
Beautifully said
Thanks, Leah. We walk together. xo