Poet Jack Ridl, a keen observer of life recently unveiled what his daughter says is the most important word in the English language.  It has profound significance for all of us and serves as an important recovery reminder.

It seems that Jack was shopping with his daughter when she was about 11 years.  They were admiring shoes which Jack, “could not understand.”  At some point his daughter announced that she knew the most important word in the English language.  A short time later Jack asked the young girl what the word was.  “WITH” she said.  When pressed as to why the word “with” deserved such lofty status the girl was ready with an answer.

“Because we are people.”  Indeed!  As people we are created to live in community and having a group with which to do life is critically important.  It is especially critical in times of high stress such as when money is tight, a diagnosis causes fear or grief settles in.  In recovery we talk of the value of a 12-step fellowship can bring.  Sponsorship, meetings and carrying the message of recovery all can serve to help build a social and recovery network that can help fuel progress and prevent relapse.

Jack concluded his remarks with a challenge directly from his daughter that all in recovery would do well to remember.  “You have to try your best to create a really good ‘with’.”  If you are struggling in recovery or experiencing loniness that can come from not having a good “with” I trust you will call Heartland Intervention.   It would be an honor to sit with you and help you to develop a strategy to inprove your “with”.  Our number is 877/752-8811.  And for more wisdom and workshops from Jack Ridl, check out www.ridl.com.

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