“Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other.” Matthew 12:13

Stretch. It’s a word we need to become comfortable with if we want to thrive in recovery. We can’t remain in our comfort zone. We must take some risks and box outside of our weight class from time to time. The trick to moving beyond our comfort zone in recovery is to take things slowly. No need to jump into the deep end and thrash about. That can cause too many emotional upheavals that may set us back. No, the smart way to take risks is to apply the motto, “easy does it.” We do the next right thing, and then wait patiently to do the next. We don’t rush. We don’t worry. We take baby steps.

We want to not just survive in recovery, we want to thrive, so we explore new boundaries and edges. We find new things in life that inspire us. We explore our divine purpose and allow God to help us live it. (Psalm 16:9) Recovery is an amazing gift that makes living a true joy. Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Now that you are clean and sober, go box outside of your weight class. Go stretch your hands, minds, hearts and souls a bit. You’ll be made new. You’ll thrive in recovery.

F.R.O.G. Practice: What one small step can you take today, calmly, patiently, towards something new and outside of your old comfort zone? Remember to pray and ask for guidance from God and do not rely on your ego to lead the way.