how i work

lessons from chiropractic experience...

in my competitive volleyball days,
i would visit the body twister for
various injuries.

whether it was neck, back or knee,
the treatment was always the same.
while the spinal manipulation always
provided instant relief; it was always
temporary.

the long term solution offered by
the doctor, was to return continually
for treatment.
what i needed were specific rehab
exercises to correct any muscle imbalances
i may have had, as opposed to just
going back with the same problem each
time.

this is similar to how i view recovery.

upon entering aa, i was told the answer
lied in coming to meetings for the
remainder of my life, or be in pain.
sounded very similar to chiropractic!

why couldn't i apply the same principles
of correcting imbalances that i used
to solve my joint injuries?

five years ago, i began to implement
those ideas and practices.
i came into aa to get sober;
i didn't get sober just to go to aa.

today, i realize my recovery is
dependent upon balancing many
areas of my life.
spirituality, meetings, sponsors or
rehabs, never kept me away from
a drink for very long.

until i took responsibility, stopped
blaming "the disease", others, or
genetics, the relapse pattern remained
the same.

it was my choice to drink;
it's me who chooses not to, today.

if i continue to address any mental,
emotional and spiritual issues faced,
i have the chance to progress in my
journey out of the woods of addiction.

i must remain responsible, accountable
and vigilant.