Day 1125,

I never give advice in these posts. It’s not what they are about.

But we all need help along the way: AA, rehabs, therapy, recovery services, spiritual or whatever it may be. Support in the field of addiction is vast and diverse. Anything that works for you, is good. Whatever breathes life into you is an extra heartbeat in your life-bank.

So yes, I never give advice on here. But! I’ll tell you a good thing to get into your life. As a recovering alcoholic of now over three years, I highly recommend this (very gentle) advice. It worked for me, and carries on working to this day. I suspect it may have saved my life.

Spend time with humans who have learning disabilities: Autism, Downs Syndrome, Asperger’s, whatever it may be. Spend lots of time with them.

Why?

Why not!

These beautiful humans were born without a choice in life. They didn’t ask for their particular disability, nature forced it on them. But even so, they live life so very, very well!

They are: funny, kind, intelligent, curious, cheeky, a pain-in-the-ass, loyal, loud, silent, frustrating, creative, friendly, huggy, windy, caring, surprising, and staggeringly non-judgemental. The list is endless. Why wouldn’t you want all that wonderfulness in your life?

Very quickly, as you get to know them, the disability evaporates. You neither notice, see or hear it anymore. It happens naturally, as bonds build. What you’re left with is, well . . . friends!

Friends who are genuinely happy to see you every day, who love you and care about you. Perfectly lovely little ambassadors for all the life-affirming good that humanity can give.

I would dearly love to show you photographs of everyone working together, but unfortunately, confidentiality prevents. But just imagine smiley, wonderful people in your head. See them? There they are!

Care workers and PA’s will also enter your world. Their dedication to these human beings is a sight to behold. You will see the little miracles every day. There’s a lot of love surrounding all this work. It also comes with its own stress and sadness, but it’s worth it.

You’ve found a safe, sweet-spot on the earth. Life has opened up. The cards are back on the table. Voila! You have a purpose. You’ll spend time with the very best of humanity life has to offer. Thoughts of alcohol and drugs slowly erase. You’ll find yourself celebrating the good in life for no apparent reason. Nothing is forced. It simply happens.

Find places to volunteer. They are literally crying out for you! Have a Google-fest and you’ll see it all. They need you as much as your new life needs them. They will lighten any darkness and stop the pity parties.

So, what’s this got to do with addiction and recovery?

Everything.

Recovering addicts need to stay grounded and keep self-pity at bay. I’ve found no better way than working with these beautiful people.

Just think of it this way . . .

People with learning disabilities were born without a choice in life, but celebrate their daily lives with utter joy and kindness. They simply get on with it.

Addicts are born with all the choices, but choose to murder themselves daily with alcohol and drugs.

Disability gives perspective. It offers a mirror to our own natural ability which we arrogantly take for granted.

At the end of every single day spent with these people, I always think to myself, “who really has the disability here, them or us?”

Take it from me, it’s not them!

If you’re struggling, volunteer! Help people who need it most. You will probably be saving your own life without knowing it. Humans with learning disabilities saved this human. They still do.

Stay safe and amazing, everyone xx