In Your Shoes

Over the last several months I have been blessed to watch our community grow.
FTR has always been a safe place for people in recovery to gather, connect and change.
That being said with our newfound growth we are now gaining more (new) members who do not  necessarily have an issue with substances misuse.
This doesn't mean that our recovery  community as well as  recovery principles are not beneficial to them and the challenges they face in their lives.
Often times these people are trying to help loved ones who are in active addiction.  They are also trying to change things in their own lives which hold them back from being happy.

Our community provides hope, support and powerful insight on how to change.

We also provide a safe place to find new friendships. These friendships can make the difference between "staying stuck" or "breaking through" our road blocks.

Recently I spoke with a new member who was obviously struggling with something. As we circled up to start class, her eyes were full of tears. She wasn't her usual bubbly and outgoing self.
After class we talked about her father who was in the middle of a meth relapse.
I shared my experience of being in her shoes with a "sick" loved one as well as being the "sick" person.
It is always an honor for me to share my experience, strength and hope with another person. It was exactly what we both needed. Later in the week she thanked me for taking the time after class to talk with her. She also mentioned that it was helpful for her because she doesn't have anyone she can talk with about her dad's addiction.

Our conversation really made me think about how addiction affects people who don't have a problem with drugs or alcohol.

It also made me think about how recovery effects people who don't have a problem with drugs or alcohol.

Much love
Frank