Support as it SHOULD be

I had the recent opportunity to join someone at their "anonymous" meeting. It really doesn't matter which version of the 12-steps they follow just that they have found a way to commit to themselves. Tonight they earned recognition from their 12-step peers for keeping that commitment going for 12 years. 12 years of following their program. 12 years of turning around an unhealthy lifestyle they actually enjoyed, but couldn't justify any longer. 12 years of living a fresh & clean, day in and day out existence.

I didn't know any of the other 50+ members at this meeting. They were from all walks of life. Big, tall, heavy, thin, black, white, Asian, men & women. The destruction and battle they all shared was the same. They all understood each others pains, struggles and doubts. They all deeply cared about one another and knew where how those doubts manifested themselves. Some expressed being able to follow their program successfully for just this one day....others for 30, 60 and 90 days. The someone I accompanied had 12 years of magical growth, stamina and perseverance. I am so proud of them. I am so proud of every one of the people in that room who made a clear commitment to take steps to be the best person they could be.

It made me think...I should clearly re-commit my lifestyle changes to me. The support system that this group provided to each other was genuine. They didn't shake hands...they hugged. They didn't want to fix each other, they only wanted to make support available to each member as this was their grounding element to keep them on the right path. I'm so honored to have been able to feel and witness the support that fellow humans can give and receive. On one hand it's sad that I had to be reminded that that was a missing element in today's rushed world. On the other hand...What a wonderful concept support is. Trust me, whether it's hosiery, peers or family. We all need to be believed in and caught every now and again...supported!

This all reminds me of the idea that it takes a village to raise a family. This group of 12-steppers went one step further....they turned their battle around and continued to commit to "keep coming back".