Sudden obstacles

In the face of an obstacle, which is impossible to overcome, stubbornness is stupid.
  —Simone de Beauvoir

Sudden obstacles, barriers in the way of our progress, doors that unexpectedly close, may confuse, frustrate, and even depress us. The knowledge that we seldom understand just what is best for us comes slowly. And we generally fight it, even after we've begun to understand. Fortunately, the better path will keep drawing us to it.

We may wonder why a door seems to have closed. Our paths are confounded only when our steps have gone astray. Doors do not close unless a new direction is called for. We must learn to trust that no obstacle is without its purpose, however baffling it may seem.

The Waltz

Is there a rhythm to recovery?

Twelve Step recovery is lived in three-quarter time -- one-two-three, one-two-three; over and over again.

It starts when I realize I am making my life unmanageable, trying to control something over which I am powerless -- that's one. Then, I find faith that my Higher Power can help -- that's two. And finally, I decide to trust -- one, two three.

Powerlessness, faith, trust -- the beat of the first three Steps. That's the waltz: one-two-three, one-two-three, one-two-three.

Then I do it all over again with something new or, more embarrassing, just the same old thing.