FAITH MONTH: DAY 16: “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” ― Carl Sagan
We claim recovery, so we MUST be able to prove that with how we walk in the world. No one really cares if we drink or not if we are still being assholes in a world that cannot possibly contain another asshole.
A lot of addicts are walking around with the same attitudes and behaviors expecting to get some kind of medal for not drinking or using drugs. They are bitchy, whiny, and complaining all the time; engaged in fits of rage and verbal abuse on others; demanding immediate attention and special treatment from the world at large. This does not have ANYTHING to do with recovery.
I really want to buy them a cocktail and let them know that they are the furthest thing from recovery possible.
In the early days, there was a lot of talk about accountability and responsibility and altered attitudes in the meetings I attended. This does not have anything to do with continuing explosive shows of anger and childish temper tantrums or entitlement or any of the behaviors I observe and hear about in meetings.
What I see are rude, impatient assholes. Just abstaining and sitting in meetings waiting for someone else to do the work of changing is not the gig here.
When we let go and make that decision, the Universe steps in and takes it all away. BUT, we have to first set the intention and then let go…all the time, every day, over and over and over.
If you have to apologize for your behavior at any time in this recovery deal, you have missed the point and you are NOT recovering. You are justifying. Get over it and get on with it!
I look for and only respond to the evidence that change is more than blah-blah. I don’t want to hear it. You know when you are still living like a drunk or a junkie. There is no coverup that is sufficient to the psychic change we are all undergoing by shifting our views and behaviors and beliefs.
It doesn’t happen by reading a book. It happens by letting go of the shit and moving into a new paradigm of beliefs and behaviors.
I love recovery. But it IS an extraordinary claim and it DOES require extraordinary evidence. Not talk, observable change.
Dolphin Hug 