I recently completed a course to become a certified Peer Recovery Coach. I wasn’t sure
of how this experience would play out, but I was excited to be a part of it. It was a small class with only 8 students. Mostly women and two men. We were from different backgrounds. We were from different cultures. We were different ages. I was probably the oldest of the group. Many had been arrested and had done court ordered treatment to get sober. I had never experienced life behind bars. I chose recovery because I had become an alcoholic and was ready for change. My health had been impaired and I needed to change. Each of us had different stories, different reasons for being there. It was very easy to see we had little in common besides a troubled past and a sad story.
Our stories united us. We shared our struggles and how we ended up taking this class together. We shared the same desire to help others and to give back to society. We share a passion and a past. It was so refreshing to feel part of a solution instead of being part of the problem. These folks have heartbreaking stories. None of them set out to become an addict. Now they work to heal from the pain they spent much of their lives running from. It is amazing to bear witness to someone's healing journey. To see them light up with excitement for their future. I know because it’s exactly how I feel! Seven years ago I would have never dreamed all this would be possible. Today I am proof that we can do difficult things. Change is possible. We are worthy!
I am grateful for my life today and the opportunities that are coming to me. I am happy that I had this experience to meet and work with these people. To understand different perspectives and experiences that I wouldn’t have gotten before my sobriety. My heart is full and I am excited to meet others on their journey! Instead of judging, avoiding or misunderstanding others, we actually take time to understand those who are different from us. Let’s recheck and release our beliefs that we are different from others. Let’s listen to our stories and see ways we can unite and come together in support of each other. What a beautiful world this would be if life could be so accepting of one another? I dare to dream!
How do you meet new people? Are you willing to be part of the solution for unity? Share your story, I would love to know. Namaste.
When Diversity Unites
