I’m grateful for finally seeing that things could be different. I’m grateful the Universe finds some creative ways to get the message through to me. I’m grateful for an excellent cup of coffee on the desk. I’m grateful for two lovely children. I’m grateful to not have to solve problems I can’t. I’m grateful to be sober today.
What’s up with the “C’mon, Baby,” caption? I’ll tell you. Kareem Abdul Jabbar is not the only NBA big man who helped shape my personality—I was also a big fan of Artis Gilmore.1 The basketball I really loved watching was ABA basketball in the 1970’s—George Gervin, Dr. J, David Thompson, George “Glass Plus” Johnson, Darnell Hillman, that was some crazy basketball. I found out in Junior High that my coaches had not really heard of George McGinnis and didn’t favor his shooting style or shot selection. Anyway, much later, after Artis Gilmore was a Chicago Bull and the ABA was just a cherished memory, he was in an All-Star game and was at the scorer’s table after being called for a foul he felt he didn’t deserve. He was concluding a brief conversation with the referee about it, then gave him a playful pat on the butt and called out a very encouraging “C’mon, Baby” as he jogged back onto the court. The “C’mon, Baby” was loud enough to get picked up on the TV broadcast and quickly became my short hand for situations where I had expectations of people and wanted to encourage them to be their best selves.2 I know, a long way to go for a pretty short caption.
I hope you had a chance to check out the latest from Jane:
Of course, please don’t forget this:
I know we’ve added a lot here in a pretty short time, I think what’s important is to have lots of different people talking about their experience, strength and hope, because the more stories are getting shared, the better the chance someone might find one of those stories and see enough of themselves in it, so that maybe they can grab onto it. That’s “How it Works:”
Our stories disclose in a general way what we used to be like, what happened and what we are like now. If you have decided you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it—then you are ready to take certain steps.
Big Book, p. 58
From my perspective, the more stories, the better. That’s why Jane and Tommy are now part of this and why I love sharing great writing about addiction and recovery.3 If you have thoughts or questions or things you'd like someone to address, I'd be super-interested in hearing it:
Thanks for Letting Me Share
Did you notice what I didn’t do?
And also whatever it is that I’m after them to do.
I’ll tell you the same thing I tell my kids: “Do I have favorites? Yes. Am I willing to name names? No.”
Adding different perspectives is fantastic--there’s power in a story! It helps people feel connected, which helps our mental and emotional well-being. I have a midweek musing that’s dropping today where I talk about how people are showing up for my recovering son and it’s all because of the bonds they’re forming through their stories.
It’s early. I have no idea if any of that made sense, but bottom line: thanks to Tommy, Jane, all the interviewees on BWAA, and--of course--you, Randall!