Ironic-A Thing on Friends/the Iron Lung
I was talking yesterday with a mentee who was fresh off just another “binge”. He had an aha moment. After 10+ years around a 12 step fellowship, he discovered people he was meeting genuinely cared. It was a real revelation.
Then this reading came through today: Since I have been in A.A., I have more friends than I ever had in my life - friends who care about me and my welfare, friends who don't care that I am black and that I have been in prison. All they care about is that I am a human being and that I want to stay sober. Since I've been home, I have been able to gain the respect of my two sons again.
© 2001, AAWS, Inc., Alcoholics Anonymous, page 534
Along time ago, an old friend shared with me something that has stayed with me a lifetime and I think of and quote often. When thinking of another person I ask: If I were on the iron lung, would I want that person on the pump handle? (younger people-Google iron lung)”.
If the answer is yes, then that is a true friend. I am blessed to have a few in my life!!
On my journey of recovery, I’ve made several real friends, and the meetings I have attended have a disproportionate number of great people. Some real Friends have stuck with me from before journeys start until today. I have a balance, and I’m thankful.
I try to be a good person, am outgoing and a networker. I have hundreds of “positive acquaintances” but only a few true friends.
I must admit, there are people I meet at meetings I really don’t like, and I’m not everybody’s cup of tea. Yet if one person who shares the journey asks for help, it is my responsibility to be there. And I know others re there for me, like or dislike!
I’m careful today about what a friend really is. I, like most, have had real disappointments with people I thought were friends. I’ve never had a lack of support from people on the shared journey.
All must remember, no man is an island, but remember the iron lung too!!
Tags: Addictions Life Coach Recovery Spiritual Awakening Www.hopeserenity.caK
