Research proves that successful recovery achieved more often when someone becomes a part of a community of like-minded people. A group where sobriety is modeled and expected. The power of staying in connectivity and proximity helps develop the needed life and relationship skills to survive and thrive. Community and friendship are healing environments for anyone who is on the recovery journey. The statements below illuminate the power of community and friendship.
Community:
“A community is the mental and spiritual condition of knowing that the place is shared, and that the people who share the place define and limit the possibilities of each other’s lives. It is the knowledge that people have of each other, their concern for each other, their trust in each other, the freedom with which they come and go among themselves.” ~Wendell Berry
Everyone needs community whether they are in recovery, a family member or spouse of someone in recovery or just living with the challenges of life. A group of people who understand your struggles and strengths and love you as you are is powerful.
Friendship:
“Friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life; and thanks to a benevolent arrangement of things, the greater part of life is sunshine.” ~Thomas Jefferson
One of our most famous presidents illuminated a truth that the kindness of friendship brings sunshine into life. Like a candle in a dark room is the kind words of a friend when we are feeling the most down. As light cuts through darkness so loving friendship cuts through depression.
As we learn to live with the tension of recovery and follow the steps of the Big Book to make a daily improvement, friendship of others is a welcoming ray of sunshine along life’s path.
Today consider picking your neighbors before considering your neighborhood, it has been said that we are the composite of the five people we spend the most time with so choose wisely.