Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.

Bruce Lee

This post is a reflection on the journey of finding balance. For many of us the twelve-step program serves as a “sufficient substitute” for our addiction and it makes sense, as the regimen of life in recovery demands new patterns and processes, gradually shaping new pathways in thinking and acting.

At times, I’ve been guilty of religiously dedicating myself to service. While service has kept me relatively sane, sober, and in a much healthier place in life, I’ve made mistakes in judgment and decisions. I’m grateful to now recognise these errors.

For instance, insisting on attending a meeting on our anniversary wasn’t wrong in itself, but my bullish attitude in refusing to take a day off was. While some might view this dedication as commendable in recovery circles, I realised it left my loving partner feeling let down.

I’ve also allowed my program to dominate conversations countless times and I struggled with managing my time better, often being late or absent from life due to taking and making calls. Don’t misunderstand me here, these aren’t necessarily negative things but rather manifestations of my incapacity to empathize with loved ones and see things from anothers’ perspective.

Approaching three years on this journey, I’m filled with gratitude for the growth, accountability, and newfound love for life. From shame to grace, from seeing suicide as a sensible option to cherishing life and my fellow man, it’s been a transformative experience.

My addiction had been futile attempts to find and maintain balance on my own terms, resulting in a constant struggle and a paradoxical existence filled with pain, “just the once was too much and never enough for me”

The balance I seek now is one I receive and rest in, rather than striving for with sheer stubbornness. I’ve been reflecting on how God doesn’t promise us happiness or an easy life but rather the strength to endure a difficult one. While happiness may elude us, peace is far more important.

This year, my personal goals revolve around being kinder to myself and taking better care of my well-being to continue being of use to others. This includes participating in marathon and ultra events, as running brings discipline and solitude without isolation. Additionally, I plan to reconnect with music, whether playing at open mics or ministering through song, as it’s an integral part of who I am.

I also aim to grow my business, embrace the future with my beloved, and continue to make amends to those I’ve hurt, especially my family and myself.

Here’s to staying present while recognising that my program of living, supported by a loving God, is the foundation holding my life together, rather than my ego’s attempt to cosplay God and “conduct the orchestra”