Don't overlook the value of friendship. Don't neglect friends.
Friends are a joy. Adult friendships can be a good place for us to learn to have fun and to appreciate how much fun we can have with a friend.
Friends can be a comfort. Who knows us better, or is more able to give us support, than a good friend? A friendship is a comfortable place to be ourselves. Often, our choice of friends will reflect the issue we're working on. Giving and receiving support will help both people grow.
Some friendships wax and wane, going through cycles throughout the years. Some trail off when one person outgrows the other. Certainly, we will have trials and tests in friendships and, at times, be called on to practice our recovery behaviors.
But some friendships will last a lifetime. There are special love relationships, and there are friendships. Sometimes, our friendships - especially recovery friendships - can be special love relationships too.
Today, I will reach out to a friend. I will let myself enjoy the comfort, joys, and enduring quality of my friendships.
From The Language of Letting Go
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
Ive just taken some time to read the last couple of days posts. Been working to hard and havent had the energy to post many comments. Amazed at all the new people and some of the threads were quite interestin!!
I love the fact that today, through the fellowship of AA, I have found some new, great friends! They may not always have the same opinions as me and may even call me on my B.S. but the bottom line is: They care, they understand, theyve been right where I have been and are willing to show me a better life through their experience, strength and hope!
At first I def took what "I" needed to keep me sober. I was selfish, self centered and full or fear and mistrust. Today, hopefully, I am able to share myself so others can take from me. I listened and eventually learned to trust a few other people. In sharing my 5th step with my sponsor, I got a chance to see trust in action. Cant say I didnt call her after and plead for her not to share some details!!!!!! She of course chuckled at me!
This is just one small piece of goodness that I have found through AA! There is a whole new world and a whole new me to be discovered. Keep it simple and its not all cut and dry. Use the program and fellowship to your advantage. You'll be amazed at what you find just by keeping an openmind!
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"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
Hi Quetzel and lani, I love that about friendships. It is something I have been doing with different women on an abuse forum and making friends who are in the same plight has been very rewarding and warm.
And to see these ladies over come and change has helped me to want to also. Being on here and in just a day I feel hope of making friends and to learn from all who post. It feels good to not feel alone.
Thank you for the message.
lani, You have helped me already and gave me food for thought. I appreciate that. When I bring alcohol into my life it takes over my thoughts and to be able to replace those thoughts with all I have read and what you have had to say to me in the other posts I can gain strength I need to come to my senses.
