Just recently I was searching for an important document that I needed to complete a project. The person who knew where the document was explained to me where I could find it. Rather than confirming what I thought I heard I went searching where I thought I heard. After looking in those two places I went back to the person and told him I could not find it. They then told me once again where I could find it. At that point, I was searching in the right place and what I was looking for was right on top of the contents in this file. Such is our search for the right tools and resources necessary for recovery. We can hear what we want to hear or not here thoroughly and end up searching in the wrong place. It is only when we look in the right place that the answer is right in front of us. Zig Ziglar said “Do not mistake activity for accomplishment.” In the same way, not all searching profits a result. We must Search in a way that net results.
Similarly, when I am involved in a project, I must do things in a particular way and order. Over the years I have purchased many furniture items from IKEA. If I have learned anything, I have learned to first unpack all the pieces, separate them, find the instructions, and follow them exactly as diagrammed. When I do that, I have found the furniture ends up exactly like the picture. In the same way with searching and most specifically searching for the aspects of our life that seem to allude us that the plan of recovery promises us.
- I must first that I am hopelessly lost
- Secondly, I must admit that all my searching in time, places, and frame of mind have only gotten me more lost
- Completely rely on someone else who was just as lost as me and follow the plan they followed
Then and only then can we expect to find for what we have been searching.
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Robert Pardon
Robert is the Recovery Guy. Getting clean and sober on April 25, 1986 has given me the insight and practical skill set to not only stay sober, but to also re-invent myself to the person I always wanted to become. Showing others how to do this is my life goal.
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Hello Robert,.I can relate and appreciate your Ikea furniture metaphor. I also feel that my recovery is on a stronger base when I’ve learned to listen and not be so quick to react or jump on impulse.
Thank you.
I think your recovery perspective is healthy. Please let me know how I can best assist you along the way.