By Haley Kennedy, Recovery Coach – 1.14.2022 –

In recovery, we learn a lot about honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. These three concepts are integral to spiritual growth. Honesty, although challenging, can be fruitful. Open-mindedness allows us to remain open to hearing and trying new things. Willingness requires that open-mindedness; we must be willing to listen AND be open.

But willingness goes beyond just listening…

I see willingness as being ready to do whatever it takes. And in the abstract, people will say it takes the willingness to do whatever it takes to find and maintain recovery. So, understandably, some people are puzzled and a little frightened by this idea… “Whatever it takes?”

You might have a list of things you think are a firm “no.” And that’s okay. Because having willingness does not mean you HAVE to do anything; it simply means you are prepared for the possibility. And it’s not like someone is going to ask you to cut off your right arm in order to recover… but they might ask, or expect you to:

– Be willing to ask for help.

– Be willing to do what is needed to receive said help: therapy, 12 step meetings, inpatient treatment.

– Be willing to listen to others and take suggestions – even if you think you don’t “need” them.

– Be willing to work on yourself.

– Be willing to participate in your recovery, doing the “inside” work to change.

– Be willing to do things that make you uncomfortable because therein lies the change.

– Be willing to continue to ask for help even as you progress in your recovery.

– Be willing to help others.

Willingness in the world of recovery allows us to open our minds and become more receptive to positive change and growth.

Think about it… I would have done anything for the next one when I was actively using…

So today I choose to redirect those efforts towards my recovery. Because I know if I put just half of the effort into my recovery that I put into getting high, I am going to be okay.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *