My Recovery is Like a Shark

I was talking to a woman I sponsor the other day. We were talking about being active in the program (of AA), doing “the footwork” and other things we do to keep our practice of the program alive, when out of my mouth jumped this phrase “my recovery is like a shark; it will die if I don’t keep moving.” Wow – ain’t that the truth! No it isn’t just motion for the sake of motion: anger is pretty lively but that won’t keep me emotionally “sober”. Although I may feel impatience or frustration these are not activities that keep me in healthy waters. My actions include being with others who are healthy and swimming a wise “school”. I like to keep away from the shoals of discontent, self abasement, and frustration, preferring the open seas of unlimited possibilities, hope and my spiritual sky above me. There are scary deep sea creatures in ocean; the gloomy monsters of depression and isolation, those sneaky eels of despair and doubt that you come upon when you least expect them. There are also those happily dressed up clown fish – those easy breezy feelings that lure you away from your pack: cockiness, dishonesty or complacency. Flighty fish with the temporary treats of activity without considering consequences. These can come in any form of distraction (screen time, for example), another compulsion (such as shopping or eating) or find another HP (him or her); something or someone that takes me away from my recovery. Swim away, swim away recovery shark! Move toward the light – the spiritual , the good in yourself, swim to safe harbor of your recovery friends. Yes, my recovery is like a shark – I have to keep moving in a wise way. I practice my yoga and meet with my sponsor, I read and reflect, meditate and pray. I continue to grow, to learn more, and to stay close to those women I sponsor. They bring out the best in me.