"how could you?", grateful for conversations that start like this
Carolyn Delaney
Sober Publisher Amplifying Hope??IT Leader Turned Social Impact Entrepreneur
I smiled at her when we stood behind each other at the cashier waiting to pay for our lunches in the fall of 2019. We've known each other for years and because of where we know each other from, we have some intimate knowledge about each other that is heart felt.
after we got through the line, before sitting down, she glared at me and asked "how could you?"
she was referring to our printed magazine talking about recovery from addiction ... putting it out there for the world to see (well at least Southern Maine) and being very visible and vocal
after my initial deep breath, I asked her if we could sit, eat together and talk about it
i let her talk about her thoughts about what we were doing and heard the fear about busting traditions around anonymity and felt her passion and fierce protection for an anonymous program that has saved both our lives (and people we love)
after my 2nd deep breath, I asked just one question "Did you know that there are other recovery programs besides ours?" -- programs that help people stop doing that thing that they're doing that is destroying the human they want to be
she looked puzzled at first, then a questioning look (complete with raised eyebrows) and then a light bulb and then the "ohhhhh" moment
that moment when people realize that their path - that thing that works for them, the people that became their tribe and the place where they heal and find recovery doesn't work for everyone
and after that there's almost instant gratitude for the program that they found that DOES work for them
we, at Journey, believe that recovery from addiction is probable - that everyone has a tribe of people who have "been there", "done that" and now don't do that and have found a way of life that works for them
our mission is to make recovery from addiction visible and the many paths of recovery visible and accessible - for those still looking for their path, their tribe .. that place that works for them
because the nightmare, devastation and chaos that is active addiction is very visible we want RECOVERY to be more visible
we want to amplify the stories of people who are free from addiction
these stories shine a light for those looking
grateful for the work i get to do today.
Trainer/Consultant "Storyteller" Health Education & Training Institute
3 年Thank you for being with me.. May this find you and your loves well and at peace. May you be safe and spiritually, socially connected.. Wishing you a Happiest New Year. May the energy of this new year bring a renewal of your compassionate spirit and your continuing learning to smile with your eyes.. ??????