Super Success

Cody has been sober now for 9 months and received his 9 month chip. Chloe and Colton surprised him with a bouquet and balloons in his room. He is enjoying his bagel job, and there is talk of promoting him. This weekend he left for a houseboat trip with a sober friend's family and we are so happy for him.

I think his job has been very important in his sobriety, as he is constantly interacting with people and is able to use the skills and tools that he was taught in the program. He meets problems with patience and optimism. He has befriended a homeless man who sweeps the street corner for spare change, and gives him money weekly. He worries about him when he is not there, and talks to us about the man's plight. At one of our parent meetings, a mother raised the spectre of AA meetings and the seediness of the participants. I mentioned that to Cody and he had a quick retort. He said, "Dad, she is focusing on their differences...all I see are the similarities". He is 18 years old. It has given me much to think about.

The supreme good is like water,
which nourishes all things without trying to.
It is content with the low places that people disdain.
Thus it is like the Tao.

In dwelling, live close to the ground.
In thinking, keep to the simple.
In conflict, be fair and generous.
In governing, don't try to control.
In work, do what you enjoy.
In family life, be completely present.

When you are content to be simply yourself
and don't compare or compete,
everybody will respect you.