Making up for Lost Time by Vince Jones
Albert Einstein and Emmet Fox taught that time is an illusion. It sure doesn’t feel like it when I look in the mirror! But who hasn’t said or at least thought of “making up for lost time?”
Typically it is said to a child or loved one when we have been absent because of long work hours or some other activity or responsibility requiring our attentions. Then there are those who were lost in the fog of addiction, their excuses for being missing are legendary.
Let’s be clear: Lost time is lost forever. That missed birthday party, anniversary, recital, soccer or ball game are gone forever. Living on the Spiritual Basis we have changed the way we look at the world. Living one day at a time means no longer lamenting or rehearsing the past or projecting into the future - usually in a negative way. We are present for life and those around us.
However, individuals new to the path of recovery typically try to do to much. Newly sober individuals have been disconnected from life and now attempt to re-engage with a vengeance. I have watched new students decide to go back to school; often after many years absent, and instead of taking one or even two courses they sign up for 12 to 16 units (while working full time of course).
Oh, and let’s not forget the family obligations taht newly sober individuals intend to make good on. These people in recovery have great intentions but wonder why they are tired, overwhelmed and can’t understand why everyone isn’t happy with them.
These scenarios represent people who have fallen into the trap of “making up for lost time.” I have watched this process lead people into despair and depression. When people return to the life of blotting out the present with drugs and alcohol they having convinced themselves this is the "easier and softer way" pf ;ovomg. Some pursue it to the gates of insanity or death.
Strive to be a man or woman who lives one day at a time. Make plans for the future but never mortgage your happiness by having unrealistic expectations about . Nothing is more important than your relationship with God, see to that relationship first and all other relationships and plans can and will fall into place. If you hear yourself saying or thinking about “making up for lost time” stop immediately and change your perspective by saying “thy will be done.”
As a wise man said: When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change.
- Vince Jones, Sober Living by the Sea Lecturer
See Vince Jones' Blog Thought For the Day to read more of his thoughts about AA and recovery.
Vince Jones is our popular Monday night lecturer who focuses on the original text of Alcoholics Anonymous to helps our clients achieve spiritual change to strengthen their new life of sobriety that they've begun at our treatment facilities.
If you are interested in Vince's Christian based message of recovery, then please read about our Celebrate Recovery Treatment Program which uses the teachings of Christ to interpret the 12-Step Philosophy.
BIO: Fifteen years ago I developed a teaching curriculum that emphasizes a return to the roots of the process, to recapture the early success rates. I have worked with over a thousand individuals in the ensuing years and though I was sure at the beginning, I am convinced today that those early success rates can be recaptured for I have seen it happen. Additionally the principles will work for any who are suffering if they are willing, honest and remain open minded. As well as teaching these principles at Sober Living By The Sea I teach them to at risk High School students.
