Joe Hartwell, Alumni Relations Liaison
As I’m reflecting over this past year, 2020 has been an unprecedented year, unlike anything I have seen in my 57 years. We have overcome tremendous obstacles at a social, political, cultural, and spiritual level.
“The spiritual life is not a theory. We have to live it” (BB Page 83).
I’m filled with a tremendous sense of gratitude that as alcoholics and drug addicts we have a way out today, regardless of what our present circumstances might be. From a personal note, in mid-March when Covid-19 was in full force, restaurants and businesses were closing and we soon came the quarantine. I didn’t really get the magnitude of what was to come, but I made a commitment to my sponsor, due to all the solitude, to step up my spiritual disciplines. By increasing my prayer and meditation to morning and night, doing 10th Steps on a daily basis as needed, writing an evening review every night, calling two people in the program every day, and being on the lookout for potential sponsees in the various Zoom meetings that I was attending.
As time passed and the world seemed to be escalating, I had a sense of calm about me.
Not to say I didn’t feel anything, but I just had a feeling that everything was going to be okay. I picked up a sponsee out of London, England, my first out of this country, Arizona, and Nebraska. Ask and you shall receive! At the end of May I received a call from my sister-in-law about my father. She said that my dad’s health was declining rapidly and that I should come to Houston as soon as possible. I spent a week with my father until he passed away and I was able to be the rock that my family needed.
In my own recovery and in my new position as Alumni Relations Liaison, I am reminded of how awesome it is to watch others recover.
I’m honored that I get to work for an organization who truly believes in the 12-Step program of recovery, and believes in going the extra mile for its alumni. Moreover, isn’t afraid to speak of its convictions about God, and allows others to be right where they are with their own. Yes, 2020 has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, tremendous suffering, death, anger, fear, division, and even hatred.
On the other hand, 2020 has been a year of growth, change, love, compassion, kindness, and oneness.
Every day, my spirit is lifted up when I get to speak to one of you that left Origins and followed our instructions to go to a meeting, get a sponsor, make the Steps a working part of your life, get and stay connected to God, get a home group to be of service to, and go out and help another do the same.
You are the future messengers of hope.
I believe that only together we can participate in the unity of the Spirit as we learn to relate to each other out of compassion and love. When compassion and love are united, our lives and actions begin to heal a suffering world.
God bless you all, Joe.
Origins Recovery Center is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for addiction and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting sobriety. For information on our programs, call us today: 844-232-3833.
