This saying It’s the little things has a host of meanings. Those of us in active addiction can drink or use on little things – something someone has said to upset us, a bad day at work, someone cutting us up at the traffic lights etc. I have heard of people in recovery relapsing much more often on little problems in their lives – such as a row with a family member or friend – than on the big ones, such as the death of a loved one.
Another way in which little things can grow into big things is if we allow little resentments to fester and grow. In the Twelve Step Programme of recovery we are encouraged each day to take a personal inventory and, if we are wrong, to admit it. That way, we clear up the little things on a daily basis and begin each new day afresh. We become more aware of our behaviour and spot any character defects that often come to the fore.
The little things can also make a difference in a very positive way. A small act of kindness can really transform someone’s day. A smile can make a difference. Being pleasant costs nothing. Indeed it often pays dividends. ‘What goes around comes around’.
It’s the little things
Little things can also turn into big things. How do we know when meeting someone is going to change our lives? We can’t always identify those moments. A few years ago, two friends of mine were setting up a rehab clinic. One of them had all the expertise, the other was providing the capital. The one providing the capital wanted me to have a minority share holding in order to help them with a bit of admin. When he said this, I was quite grateful _ hadn’t asked for it – and assumed he would give me a 5% shareholding or thereabouts. He gave me 20%. I was pleased to accept this but at that point 20% of a non-existent company was 20% of nothing.
How is my life today
I did what I could for this fledgling clinic but continued to work in my full time job. However, within 4 months it began to look as if our rehab clinic was getting some solid foundations. We had a meeting and my contribution to the 4 months to date was rewarded with a further 5%. A few more months passed and my company restructured. My post was made redundant. I took voluntary redundancy and after 27 years working successfully in one field of work, I switched to running a rehab clinic. This has been a successful venture over the last 3 years. The original investor has sold his 25% to me, I now own 50% and love every day of the week equally working in the field of addiction. And this massive change in my life all began when I was given a minority shareholding on what felt like a whim in my kitchen!
The Haynes Clinic is an alcohol, drug and gambling rehab clinic which offers detox and counselling for people with addictions. It follows the Twelve Step Programme of recovery.
Call 01462 851414 for free and confidential advice.
