Benny and Mike:
I can only hope you might still happen to read this, as I feel badly I didn't stumble across this thread sooner. (Since I'm not an Aussie, I don't frequent this part of the forum)
As my signature Implies, I'm a recovering Alcoholic and Drug Addict. I've been clean and Sober for a little over seven years. I've also been unemployed (Earning My first Engineering degree) for a little over two years. This free time has enabled me to spend a great deal of time in the recovering comunity helping newcomers. I probably spend close to 40 hours a week with people who are just starting on a path to sobriety. This work, though completely un-paid, is the most rewarding work I have ever done, and I suspect it will be the most rewarding work I will ever do. If I could find a way to pay the utility bills and the property taxes, I would take a "vow of poverty" and continue this for the rest of my life. It also keeps me sober.
I have found that Anger, Hatred, Resentment, Fear, and Selfishness CANNOT exist in a heart that contains even the slightest amount of GRATITUDE. They just can't co-exist in the same place.
When you guys are helping others like has been said here, you are being part of the solution. You are helping others to "Live In The Solution".
Even though you guys may be doing this half a world away from where I am, I am grateful for it. Whenever an addict or alcoholic reaches out, I am responsible to be there. And whenever someone else helps those reaching out, no matter where they are, I am gratefull.
Thanks Benny and Thanks Mike
__________________
Patrick;
The Sober Pollock |