Notice the men and women who stand out at the meetings you attend. They talk every once and awhile, but mostly they listen. They’ve been around the recovery program for a long time. They come from all walks of life, and have a quiet presence. They continue coming to meetings because they love them, their friends are there, and maybe something they say will rub off on one of the new people. They also know that they can’t change anyone. The change has to come from within.
These men and women stand out because they are self-assured. They may have been through the worst nightmare of addiction, but now they sit in peace. If you are new to recovery, these are the types of people you want to get to know. You might even ask one of them to be your sponsor.
Old timers are people who have not only put down the drink or drug for many years, but they have changed on the inside. You may not realize all the changes you can make within yourself until you learn to observe your actions, reactions and behaviors. What oldtimers have is something to which to aspire. They are calm and know how to take care of themselves. They know their limits. They also allow their emotions to flow and they are not afraid of being vulnerable.
Oldtimers are not perfect, and they know this. After many years of sobriety, therapy and meetings, they still may struggle with some demons. Just because someone has many years of sobriety doesn’t mean they’ve found nervana. Recovery is a lifelong process, and they know it. They can put things in perspective. They have good and bad days, just like anyone else.
Get to know an oldtimer. Recovery is a two-way street and they may say you are their teacher now. You are a reminder from whence they came. Oldtimers are full of life because they have turned around their suffering—made a u-turn at hell, and isn’t that what you’re doing now? Let some of an oldtimer’s wisdom wear off on you. You may need to tell your story a thousand times, but learning to listen, like they do, can lead to quiet contemplation and healing deep within yourself.
If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, get help now. Nexus Recovery Services specializes in addiction treatment and encompasses holistic therapy for the mind, body, and soul with a focus on staying active and connected to nature. Our mission is to provide tools and support for every client’s seamless transition into a meaningful and fulfilling life of sobriety. We offer a free and confidential consultation. Call us to get started: (310) 881-9151