Hello friends. I hope everyone is doing well today. Things here at home are simply average, in a good way . I got a call from a local rehab center this morning to set up an appointment for an interview. Not an intake interview, but a job interview ! I spoke with the lady in charge of the program and she was excited. A close friend (actually, my AA brother) works there and he has spoken to her about me before. She was glad I finally made the decision (after much prayer) to contact her about a support staff position. She said and I quote "any friend of Jonathon is okay with me". I go in Tuesday morning for the interview, but she acted like that was just a formality.
I've put allot of thought and prayer into this decision over the last 3 months, and feel God is directing me toward this. I'm scared because I know the number of people who relapse in these sorts of positions. The best advice I've been given is to be absolutely sure I keep this separate from my recovery, and not use it in place of it. I also know to not take things personally when people relapse (and I know they will). I know how much satisfaction and joy I get when I take AA into the local jails, and know that this too will fill me with gratitude...for helping and for remembering.
So, anyone here have any experience to share with me? I know, it's not a "done deal" yet, but I'm trying to be prepared for whatever the outcome is. I will certainly keep you all updated on the situation. Thanks for reading, and I pray God is with you all!
God bless... Brian
-- Edited by Reffner on Wednesday 19th of May 2010 01:06:00 PM
I can only say you sound as if you are focused and know what to look for and most importantly have talked with your ultimate sponsor<the God of your understanding!I would just suggest you continue doing the work, stay God centered,keeping in touch with your sponsor and remain humble and greatful each day.In 1987,3 years after I surrendered I also thought of going to college for my CAC degree,I prayed and I thought it was too soon for me to be back in the mix,even though it was form the other side of the table.I prayed and God lead me to the HUMAN SERVICE FIELD in another capacity,A manager in a facility for "people with disabilities!I ended up with an A.A.S. degree in applied science(comical me a scientist!!!although thru 25 years of addiction I did perform many experiments:)).... I have been here 31 years also by the grace of God!So remember ,keep your focus in prayer and meditation and you'll ending being where you are supposed to be..Hope all goes well for you,LET US KNOW.PEACE.
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Selfishness-self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.
Aloha Brian...that is very very close to my own journey as I got and stayed sober and then got involved outside of "program". My sponsor helped me with a mind set..."You cannot sell a 12th step" and I was grateful for that because it revealed the difference for me between a spiritual based, social model recovery (Al-Anon and AA) and a clinical model system. I learned a ton. I work a 12 step spiritual program of recovery and the hospital I worked in worked a business model of profitability with a management model based upon levels of leadership. I was a worker ant and technician the person who was in the trenches and had directors and directives above and around me. My 12 step program allowed me to keep my self intact mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically inspite of all of the other non-program stuff. What helped me so much was my membership and participation in Al-Anon which directs and moderates "me" as I deal not with the desire to drink but the compulsion to fix the drinker and if there was one underlying compulsion for me at that time it was the compulsion to fix another drunk or addict and give them (whatever lengths) my recovery. Believe me they can take it from you if you are not following your program and they can take it fast especially if you find yourself "giving it away".
You got good stuff...be cautious instead of fearful which for me means "think" always about the reality around you and with you expecially when you are around another drunk or addict. Drunks and addicts are hyper at power and contol and manipulation. I'm so glad I had done several 4th steps before I was asked to be a behavioral health therapist. When I sit in a room of drunks I am the same as they are. I know what they think and what they feel and how they act from memory and your memory is gold.
"We won't forget the past or wish to close the door on it." Man this will be where you can use your past for so much good.
I would suggest that if you are chosen as a staff person working with drunks and addicts to check out the Al-Anon Family Groups because that program approaches the disease from the angle of what it is like to be around the drinker and not the drinker.
In support...If you have a copy of the St. Francis of Assisi Prayer that starts "Lord make me an instrument..." for me that was a daily mindset...God's will, my work, the patients (alcoholic/addict, family, friends and assciates) recovery.
If anything, it will be a constant reminder of what you don't want and where you have already been. It will keep you on your game regarding the 12 steps so that you can pass the knowledge on. It will take practice to leave work at work though. You may develop strong feelngs about some of the patients and will identify with some...but they will have their problems and it is only your job to help them when you are AT WORK!
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Keep coming back. It works if you work it. So work it. You're worth it!
. I got a call from a local rehab center this morning to set up an appointment for an interview. Not an intake interview, but a job interview 
! I spoke with the lady in charge of the program and she was excited. A close friend (actually, my AA brother) works there and he has spoken to her about me before. She was glad I finally made the decision (after much prayer) to contact her about a support staff position. She said and I quote "any friend of Jonathon is okay with me". I go in Tuesday morning for the interview, but she acted like that was just a formality.