Some people who are living in early recovery in 12 step meetings will look up to others who have long-time recovery and also carry a clear message when they share their experience, strength, and hope with us. We put these people up on pedestals. Time and experience teaches us that this is not fair to them or us for that matter. What we need to understand is that all of us have clay feet. We are just an arm’s length away from a drink, a puff, a snort, or a hit. What experience shows us is anyone can relapse. Although we know that relapse is not a failure, we must except reality. It is grace and continual work in these rooms that keep us in recovery. In other words God, the spirit, or the universe helps us to be spiritually fit enough to remain abstinent. We don’t put people on pedestals. We continue the work of one day at a time recovery and we learn reality. Anyone can slip. To avoid this we remain vigilant. Peace.
