Adapted from The Four Seasons of Recovery for Parents of Alcoholics and Addicts by Michael Speakman
When Fall Arrives
Autumn reminds us that change is part of every season. In The Four Seasons of Recovery, Michael Speakman encourages parents to ask a simple question during difficult times: “What can I learn from this?”
When setbacks happen, looking for the lesson can keep pain from becoming wasted pain and help us move forward with wisdom and hope.
Wasted pain leaves us stuck in frustration, asking, “Why is this happening?” Growth pain helps us ask, “What can this teach me?” One keeps us looking backward; the other helps us move forward. This doesn’t make the pain easier, but it can give it purpose.
As the seasons change, we’re reminded that every journey has room for growth, every season holds the possibility of renewal, and sometimes the most meaningful place is the one still waiting to be filled.
The Four Seasons of Recovery for Parents of Alcoholics and Addicts by Michael Speakman. Available here on the PAL website.
