I've got a full plate right now and it feels like I'm being pulled in a million different directions. As I asked God for guidance, a question came to me. What do you need right now? On the 28th, I will start my training to become certified as a Peer Recovery Coach. I will be able to help others who are dealing with many challenges that they will encounter during recovery. I will provide them with resources and skills to help them be successful in their efforts. A lot of recovery deals with issues of past trauma. A person can easily become overwhelmed and relapse because they need comfort and understanding. Family members are often supportive, yet cautious with us in recovery. The dynamic of walking on egg shells is difficult for all until trust is regained. Not an easy process. My family, especially my husband, seemed to be resistant when I established some boundaries in our relationship. After seven years of being sober, it's still difficult at times. As I anticipate becoming a peer recovery coach, the question, “what do you need right now?” plays in my mind.
I remember the first time I went into treatment. I was filled with shame. Admittedly, I had become an alcoholic, something I swore I would never do. I felt defeated, angry, and hopeless. No one understood the depth of my pain. I had become a victim of life. I was angry at the world and angry at God. I taunted God with rage and spewed words like venom. I wasn't prepared for his response. “What do you need, my child?”
In that instant I realized what I needed was God. I felt a nudge on my leg from my dog in Rainy. As I petted her, my heart softened immediately and I grew quiet. God reminded me that He was with me always.
At that moment, something inside me clicked. I needed to love myself as I loved my friends.I had to be my best friend. I had to nurture the wounded child inside of me that I had been carrying my entire life. So I thought about things a little more. I thought about the best friends that I had through the years. Those friends who are no longer with me for various reasons. Those friends who departed when my health issues arrived and when I became sober. I longed for friendships and something to fill the void inside of myself. God had gifted me with my dogs to fill that void.
Today, my best friends are my dogs. They have been with me during this process. DOG is an anagram for God. I don't think that's a coincidence. When I'm at my lowest, my dogs are always right nearby, providing me comfort and reassuring me that everything's gonna be OK. To me, my dogs are a daily reminder of God's love for each of us. So I will recommend to my future clients to grab their dog and take a walk. Tell them their secrets and innermost feelings. As if God was right there by their side. Dogs are a gift from God to provide us comfort and to be a reminder of his love. They are there for us in a physical reality that God cannot be in with us.
That is my revelation from my morning mediation. I am grateful that you took the time to read my perspective as I navigate through life.
Who do you lean on in difficult times? How do you deal with adversity? Drop me a line and let me know. Namaste.
This Morning’s Revelation
