Blog for November 22, 2021
I was told in my early recovery that for everything I screwed up or missed in my active addiction, I will get similar opportunities in my recovery, like a “do over”, if I stay clean. Another deep meaning of opportunities for me was when I learned that my painful experiences and the hateful, mean people I’ve crossed paths with, all gave me an opportunity to grow spiritually, to learn about me and the world around me.
That’s all well and fine, but I do not always look at it as “oh boy, with all these assholes around me I’m just gonna grow and grow and become such an awesome person”. Lol – I don’t think so. I do not jump on every opportunity I’m presented with.
Opportunities can arise in the most inopportune moments, and therefore, we might miss them. For me, it’d be in situations like someone yelling at me, putting me down, cutting me off, demanding something of me or from me that I can’t do. Especially being threatened. At those moments, I do have choices on my reactions, but I do not always choose wisely. If I am pushed and pushed, I may snap. But there is an opportunity there to turn the other cheek.
Some opportunities come because we worked for them and set ourselves up to get them, as in work situations, sports and other competitions. Some people find themselves with the opportunity to date or marry the S. O. of their dreams. Some people find the opportunities to divorce the person they thought would be the person of their dreams.
But for me, the biggest and most important opportunity of my life came when I decided to get clean. Because I chose to accept that opportunity then, it opened the door for many more awesome opportunities. I got to marry the best man I have ever known. I got to go back to school and become a teacher and a counselor. I got to be a part of my kids and grandkids lives. I’ve got to travel to incredible places and be with wonderful people. I’ve got to renew relationships to a healthier standard.
Some say that “opportunity only knocks once”, I don’t believe that, I think as long as we keep trying, opportunities will keep coming at us. Yes, some opportunities we have to work towards, some just fall out of the sky and some are often the result not doing or saying the wrong thing at the worst moment.
But mostly, I made a decision a long time ago to never pass the opportunity to love. To love my children and grandchildren, my family and friends. To welcome newcomers and share the hope and love that has been laid on me. Don’t let those opportunities pass you up.
I hope you take every opportunity to care for and love your people and welcome the new ones in and embrace them with kindness and love. Especially as we celebrate with our people this week for the Thanksgiving holiday, hug them a little longer and tighter, laugh and relax with them as much as possible. Enjoy your meal with them. Take every opportunity to give back and be gracious and grateful.
Question of the Week: What opportunities have you been gifted with lately? Did you take them?
