Isolation

I'm no stranger to isolation. As a drug addict, shame and guilt brought on by my own actions along with an obstinate unwillingness to change caused me to isolate spiritually. As a criminal, incarceration forced me to isolate physically. I will say the self isolation required during this pandemic is by far the easiest and most comfortable form of isolation I've gone through. It has given me a chance to reflect on these past experiences and how different they are. I am beyond grateful for the ability to be here, in this moment, with things exactly the way they are right now. I'm not saying I think it's a good thing that people out there are getting sick and dying, what I mean is I realize I have no control over any of that, but I do have control over myself: my awareness, my perception, my actions, and I will do what I can to help others.

Today I'm grateful that I still have a job and am still able to work from home, I'm grateful that even though I am isolated, I still live in a house full of good dudes who are all like me. I'm grateful that I am not locked up right now. I'm grateful that I can still go for a run outside. I'm grateful for the exploring of technology right now that enables drug addicts and alcoholics to have that much closer of an experience in remote fellowship. I'm also grateful for my family, which has been growing closer together during this time.