The Magic in Showing Up for Others

This past week I tried something new. I observed. I participated. I wasn't the leader, the CEO, the person with all the answers. And I am so grateful I did. 

About two weeks ago I was invited to attend a "family week" of a former client. In a treatment setting, a family week is when individuals and their loved ones are able to work through issues and build relationship skills under the guidance of a trained treatment team. This client asked me to be a part of her family week. A part of her family. Though honored, I hesitated. 

The event would be four days long. I would have to clear my schedule. For a guy who's most comfortable being on the move at all times, "breaks" like this are hard. I feel a deep obligation to be readily available to everyone. Always. So my chattering brain came up with all sorts of excuses for why I shouldn't go. Then I paused. And decided that it was most important to show up for this young woman. Perhaps I could have a real impact in helping her as she was trying to help herself. At the very least, she'd know I cared. 

When I arrived, I was definitely out of my comfort zone. My role was not to be the leader of the community, the "fixer". But I was a member. I sat beside other attendees as someone else guided us through exercises, process groups, meditations, and the like. What a gift it was to be in such a seat, as a participant, being lead on the journey. I came away from those four days with even more compassion for families struggling with a loved one's addiction, and with gratitude for the opportunity to be of service to that young woman. I was reminded of the magic in just showing up. Of taking in the wisdom and experience of those around you. And then simply being present. Those four days of connectivity were a gift for everyone. 

This week let’s show up. Simple. When asked to be a part of something, look for the reasons to say YES rather than No. Let’s not lose out on the potentially great moments in life.

Accountability, Community, Unconditional Love.

-Asher Gottesman, CEO & Founder of Transcend Recovery Community