Learning in recovery takes a lot of work. Usually, the things we need the most are the things we learn the hardest. We work on our recovery to prepare for the experiences that life will bring. When we hear others share in gatherings, we keep some words that will serve us in the future. Until the next "lesson", we think about what we heard and read the literature. Just as an exam gives a student the opportunity to test their knowledge, so a life test gives us the opportunity to apply what we have learned in recovery.
Either way, we have a choice in how we deal with life's challenges. We can shudder and avoid them as threats to our peace, or accept them gratefully as opportunities for growth. Life's challenges give us more strength as we see the principles of recovery in action. Without these adversities, we might forget what we've learned and get bogged down. These are the opportunities that push us to new spiritual awakenings.
We find that often after a crisis there is a period of respite, which gives us time to familiarize ourselves with the skills we have acquired. When this experience becomes our property, we are called to share our knowledge with someone who now needs it. In the "school of recovery" we are all students and teachers.
