Lessons Learned: True Heroism
Recently I was asked to speak at a life lessons class at a treatment center in accordance with my role as a lead advocate for Heroes in Recovery (HIR). The appropriate presentation was unclear to me.
My idea of this grassroots movement has changed quite a bit in the past year.
When I accepted my position with HIR, my vision of a hero in recovery was someone else, not me. Like those who chose the mental health and substance abuse field as their profession. Or those who chaired the meetings I attended and those who bravely walked in and occupied a seat in the meetings. In a nutshell, any one else who walked the path of recovery in front of me—those were the real heroes. The feeling of not being a hero didn’t bother me; in my 20-plus years of addiction, I had grown accustomed to not being much of anything.
In my mind, heroes rescue people from burning buildings, save other people from drowning, stop someone from bleeding to death, or ease someone’s pain until they can get more help.
And then it occurred to me . . . those suffering from addiction are engulfed in flames; drowning in regret, shame and guilt; and most certainly enduring excruciating pain. In situations where heroism happens, someone is brave enough to take action and lives are saved. It’s the same with addiction.
With these thoughts came a rare moment of clarity. I presented to the clients at the treatment center exactly what I shared in this blog.
And they got it!
Lesson learned . . . share your own truth and it might put out some flames. It might get someone to safety. It might ease someone’s pain.
And you just might be a HERO . . .