DISCIPLINE IN RECOVERY PART 2

Let's go back and take another look at Part 1. Let's see how much effort was made to initiate some degree of self-discipline, and try to recognize the effort for its real worth.

It seems to me that this is most important. To acknowledge self-effort, however slight, and to be aware of the positive reaction to that effort. This is the foundation upon which we rebuild self-confidence and a sense of self-worth. So let's take a realistic inventory.

After five, ten, or twenty years of encasement in the emotionally blunting isolation of chemical dependency it does take self-effort, some sense of self-discipline to enter treatment, to overcome our fears, to admit our past failures, to be able to say "what have I got to lose?"; to move from the rigidity of defence, to hear another point of view, to seek knowledge with openness ; to risk reaching out to others as equals, to learn from the knowledge and experience of others.

Not bad! But we must not stop. What comes next?

SELF DISCIPLINE

It is here, I think, that our self-discipline is tested most severely. It is hear that we must make a decision - a decision based on a mere four weeks of experience at the Donwood - a decision that will decide the course of our lives.

The facts have been presented. The damages have been assessed. The hazards have been outlined. The past has been fully explored and yet only a small sampling of the possibilities of the future has been experienced.

On evaluation of this apparently one-sided experience, a decision to reverse a way of life of ten or twenty years must be made - a decision to structure a life free of chemical dependency. It takes guts; it takes will power. It is a discipline of faith, because we do not know what lies ahead!

Ahead we find new dimensions of discipline will come to be known to us. Its character will gradually change and we will become more comfortable with it.

In the beginning it is almost harsh. It forces us to accept responsibility for our own sobriety. It dictates pursuit of new or long-neglected habits of health. It commits us to participation in a two year recovery program. It is demanding.

It is objective. It will not put up with pointless argument where there is but one answer. It pushes aside the destructive rationalization of defensive thinking. It rejects procrastination. It is truthfulness.

It is thoughtful. It gently leads us to an increasingly balanced awareness of our most intimate selves. It nudges us towards self-improvement. It helps to feel for others-balancing our too ready tendency to feel only for ourselves. It is understanding.

It is inquisitive. It leads us to explore new and healthful ways to deal with old problems. It searches out a more meaningful relationship with others. It pushes us to look again at old interests and more important, to explore new ones It requires the nourishment of stimulation and involvement. It is ever-active.

In its sum, it is responsible. It urges us to full participation in life-with courage, meeting problems; with thankfulness, experiencing rewards. It is guided by values. It knows both love and respect. It balances concern of self and others. It is alive and eager. Its reward is happiness.

"Responsible behaviour" is the root, not the result, of happiness".

MIKE WILSON

DON SAYS: Mike was on staff at the Donwood Institute at the time this article was written in April,1974. It is clear, well written, and tells us that we have to marshall our strongest mental forces to overcome the incidious effects of alcohol upon we who are alcoholics.