Early soccer and early recovery/change have a lot in common. This is the second thing I observed at last Saturday’s game.
Is there a plan here? What play are they running? What the strategy?
The answer to these questions in early soccer is, “No! No! There isn’t any yet!” The hope is that the kids will show up for the game and be willing to get out on the field, and they will actually move (preferably run) around the field. Staying on the field if they get a little winded is promoted. Moving the ball anywhere using their feet and not their hands is acceptable. Finally they are encouraged not quit before they have exhibited sportsman like behavior by “high fiving” the members of the other team, win or loose. They are rewarded but not until after the game is over with a post game “good job” treat from the designated parent. That’s it. No big complicated plan. No big plays and not a lot of strategy! This is not the big league! It’s the beginning!
Likewise early application of the principles of recovery to any problem you have not been about to solve on your own, is about showing up, participating in a supportive fellowship and taking the steps, one at a time, that bring about change. For those new to the application of these principles, the advice of those living in recovery is “Come to meetings.” Before you leave, plan your next meeting. Don’t use or act out between this meeting and the next. Get a copy of LDS Family Services A Guide to Addiction Recovery and Healing
(see www.providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,6629-1-3414-1,00.html )to use in meetings and between meetings.” That’s it! Is there more? Of course there is, but when we demonstrate our willingness by doing these initial things, the Lord can help us with the next thing and the next. It’s not the big league! It’s the beginning!
By Nannette W.
Posted Friday, September 12, 2008
Copyright 2008 by Nannette W. All right reserved.
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