The path

"Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path." from Alcoholics Anonymous

I like being reminded that the path to recovery has been blazed by others before me. Those individuals who began AA and Al-Anon wrote down what worked for them. And they passed it along to others, countless others, the most fortunate of which have learned a new way to live.

Occasionally in meetings, I hear someone ask if they can sponsor themselves. In Al-Anon, the word sponsor is used quite a bit. It is strongly suggested that those who work the steps get a sponsor who provides guidance on working the steps. Frankly I found that I needed the support
or perspective that only a sponsor could provide.

I found that the path to recovery wasn't treacherous. I trusted my sponsor to be a guide for me. He helped me around the obstacles that sometimes seemed insurmountable: trusting a Higher Power, letting go of control, learning to love myself. I didn't always see a clear path. And often I preferred to try the blocked path over and over, rather than look for a clear passage.

I have marveled at how fish, such as salmon, are able to find their way back to their natal stream. The going is rough and with miles of rapids and even waterfalls to leap. Yet, they persist in trying to find the stream where they were born. Sea turtles have a similar drive to lay eggs on the beach of their birth, and may swim many thousands of miles to reach that goal.

I'm glad that I finally found a clear path. It is sometimes uphill. I see how difficult it is for others to trust that the way is clear if one can persevere. But I'm glad that I did.