It used to be I didn't spend much time thinking about the future. Like a lot of people, I just worried about getting through today alive and in one piece, figuring I'd focus on crossing tomorrow's bridges when I got to them - tomorrow. But things have changed. Now I find myself wondering about the future more than ever before.
I find myself looking forward with both excitement and anxiety. And that's especially true when it comes to recovery.
My excitement stems mostly for the hope that the future will produce many more opportunities for people to advance grow and achieve the fulfillment they rightfully deserve. My anxiety comes for the simple fear of the unknown and the deep concern that changes happening today will be met with resistance and therefore extremely difficult to implement and embrace. This resistance will require education and great patience.
Advocacy Unlimited recently held the seventh of its Annual Leadership Conferences and this one advanced the cause of those who have co-occurring disorders. This year saw generous participation from the Department of Mental Health and Addictions Services, CCAR, The Policy Academy on Co-Occurring Disorders, family members, and people in recovery from psychiatric disabilities, co-occurring disorders and addictions.
I would like to offer a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all in attendance for your participation and support.
It was clear that no matter what side of change each embraced, everyone had a clear interest in making life better for people. The topics were all about making major system change in the mental health system and knocking down the barriers to successful recovery in areas of employment, housing, trauma and other major issues, never easy to accomplish but worthy of the goal. Ideas whose time has come. It was a great opportunity for dialogue and I am grateful that everyone took the time to listen and learn from one another. I am grateful for the open minds. It was a nice addition to the beginning forged in the Core Recovery Values penned between AU and CCAR and then embraced by Commissioner Tom Kirk at DMHAS.
Perhaps I should not be so anxious. Cooperation, negotiation and respect for one another can make great things happen. Did I mention respect for one another?
Like everyone, I usually have more questions than answers. I'll be feeling my way along just like you will. I do, however, know this: The past is gone. The future is all that is left.
Anxious about the future? Walk awhile in my shoes.