An "Inside Job"
Just for today - July 14
"Social acceptability does not equal recovery."
Basic Text, p.21
One of the first things that happens to many of us in recovery is that we start to look better. We get healthier; we bathe; we dress more appropriately. And without the goading of active addiction, many of us finally stop stealing, lying, and hustling. We start to look normal - just by removing the drugs.
Looking normal is very different than being normal. Acceptability in the eyes of the world is a benefit of recovery; it is not the same thing as recovery. We can enjoy the benefits of recovery, but we must take care to nurture their true source. Lasting recovery isn't found in acceptance from others, but in the inner growth set in motion by the Twelve Steps.
Just for today: I know that looking good isn't enough. Lasting recovery is an inside job.
Comments
I want that. I was asked last
I want that. I was asked last week by the manager at the methadone treatment center where I go " what is first reason that comes to my mind when I think why I want to be in my sobriety". Without even thinking of the question in hand I said, "I just want to be normal and happy again". She was surprised I answered so quickly. It was because I meant that. I just want to be normal. Wake up and go to sleep normal. Eat normal. Have normal friends. Sheesh Louise, use the restroom normally. I want to feel normal from the inside out. Then can I truly be happy with myself within myself. I want to feel what all the norms feel. I don't want to live day by day hour by hour. And just like the post above says, I don't want to hustle, lie, and steal anymore. I just want to be me, normal, happy and CONTENT.!
It only gets worse before it gets better