Make the Commitment

Blog Created by: Jack Alan Levine

In life we have to make choices, and our choices have consequences. It seems that when we are determined to get something done and turn our attention to it, we get it done. It usually means accepting the challenge, picking up the gauntlet, making the decision to go forward. We usually do that when the results/benefits of what we are going to get become more valuable to us than the price we pay or commitment we make. If you sign a contract to buy a house you are committed; if you buy airline tickets to take a flight you are committed; if you sign up to join the Army you are committed; if you put food in your mouth and swallow it, you are committed to eating it.

So what commitment are you going to make to the rest of your life? If you take a trip from Florida to California, you commit by getting in the car and pulling out of the driveway…you are on the way. Plans may change along the way. There may be twists and turns, changes and challenges to your plan as you go. Road Conditions, weather, health and other factors could impact your journey as you continue on to your destination. However, none of these conditions and circumstances should change the fact that you are committed to getting to your destination. A life of recovery is the same way. You begin the journey and then continue to move forward regardless of what comes your way.

Your recovery journey is the same. You play the best you can, give it your best effort and leave the outcome in God’s hands.

When athletes like football, baseball, or basketball players play the game, we expect them to give their best efforts during the game, in other words, we expect them to be committed to playing their best. Your recovery journey is the same. You play the best you can, give it your best effort and leave the outcome in God’s hands. You just do the best you can. We often look at athletes and judge them based on the effort they gave and not so much on the results of the contest. Many great players have been hailed as heroes even if their team lost the game because of their individual commitment and effort. The most frustrating thing is seeing an athlete (or a person) not giving 100% effort. When athletes/players don’t give 100% effort we have words for guys like that…lazy, slacker, stiff, bum, loser…the list goes on. So, it’s not so much about the result of one game or one season as it is about the effort. I know God will bless your effort more than you can ask or imagine.

I believe that’s the challenge for us in recovery…to make a commitment to begin the journey. Your individual journey starts with change. A commitment to engage in any of the proven ways of recovery would be an awesome start (i.e. coming closer to God, 12-step program, 30-day rehab facility, out-patient therapy, Celebrate Recovery, counseling, therapy, in-patient rehab, long term care). The bottom line is you need to make the commitment to beginning the recovery journey. When you commit to something, it means that you are going to do it. You attempt to do your best at whatever you just said you were going to do, whatever you committed too.

I pray that today you have the desire to make the commitment to beginning your recovery journey. I pray you have the desire to cast off the lifestyle of addiction, to break free from that bondage, to seek treatment for this disease and begin your new life. It starts with a commitment to the recovery journey!

So, don’t delay. The choice is yours. No one can make it for you, it has to be your decision and your commitment. I can tell you one thing. I believe you will never regret it, and I believe it will lead you to the happiest life you could ever imagine. Your life is not over. Your addiction has not defeated you. Far from it. Your new life begins now…with your commitment. As in a marriage, as in accepting a new job, as in getting behind the wheel of the car…the journey begins when you commit to getting started and then begin to walk in and live that commitment. In the case of recovery…IT IS ALWAYS WORTH IT!

Jack Alan Levine, Addiction Expert, Father, Author & Businessman