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FEBRUARY 21

PATIENCE

PHYSICAL BALANCE

“Patience is the companion of wisdom.”

St. Augustine

When I’m in pain, I want it to stop. Right now. Pain medications might give me that immediate relief I crave; however, the damage they may do to my recovery means they are no longer an option for me. I have to use the tools of pain recovery today in order to take care of my disease of addiction as well as my pain. And that takes a lot of patience.

Because today I seek relief in the principles embodied in the Twelve Steps rather than in pain medication, I must be patient. I’ve learned that twelve-step recovery works if I work it; however, it is not as quick as a pill. If I expect immediate results from my efforts to reduce or eliminate my pain, my expectations may lead to frustration and disappointment, because practicing twelve-step principles, though ultimately effective, takes longer than pain medications. This is why patience is so important.

Impatient expectations only cause my pain to get worse. My worsening pain then tests my patience. The vicious cycle of pain and impatience spins to increase physical and emotional suffering. When I am able to muster even the smallest amount of acceptance and display the least bit of patience, I soon discover that my pain lessens.

I use the tools available to learn patience and reduce my stress and pain. I learn from others in the program how to develop necessary coping skills. Patience brings progress. As long as I take a step in the right direction and do it slowly, patience finds me.