Writing Questions Can Help Recovery
A favorite blogger, and college writing professor asks her students to wrestle with three questions as they “. . . tap into the rhetorical theory.” (See A little Writing Lesson)
- Why this?
- Why now?
- Why me?
These simple questions make writing better. However, simple questions are a way to wrestle with the bewildering and unwelcome problems of daily living.
Now, I rarely ask Why? when life is humming along. But when something blows up, or fails to materialize, asking these three questions can expose faulty thinking, carelessness and squirrely emotions. Length of sobriety doesn’t grant immunity from these bugs!
In the midst of a hard place, instead of reacting, let me stop and reflect: Why this –misunderstanding, setback, temptation, or trial? Because self-centeredness can be like a fog that rolls in gently or descends abruptly, concealing common sense, kindness, or common courtesy.
How can I be so blind?
Well, I am not much, but as I heard someone say at a meeting, I am all I think about.
Usually I have neglected to work my program, pray, or give away what has been so freely given me. But, sometimes, troubles, trials and temptations, when I have my head on straight, are a gift to show me God always has a reason, even if I can’t see it.
The hard place – the old brick wall – never comes at a good time. I don’t need drama or pain; a.k.a being blocked as I go along my merry way . . . sliding off the beam.
So, Why now?
Because there is no better time to get a grip of God’s grace and ask for help from Him, and my sponsor!
By the time I get to the Why Me? — if I haven’t wailed it first – I laugh. Why me is not the best question, especially if I am not losing sleep over the answer when times are good. If I have learned one thing living sober, life still is not about me! Never was, never will be. (Playing the Victim)
I am glad for simple questions that help me keep things simple. The only dumb question is the one I never ask.
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I needed this reminder! God is always working! I just need to tap into HIS plan! And yes! My old behaviors aren’t always old! Practicing steps 6 and 7! Thanks for the encouragement!
SO glad to hear from you!