Willing to Listen
When I was 25 years old and in training for a private pilot license, I did several solo flights. In one flight from Minneapolis to Duluth, Minnesota, I made routine contact with the Duluth flight tower to announce my intentions. They gave me specific instructions that included heading and altitude. I had some difficulty seeing the airport and asked for further directions. Commands from the tower led me straight to the airport with no difficulty. A pilot is expected to listen and then adjust to the instructions from the tower, without hesitation or argument. Being willing to adjust course is part of safe navigation.
Adjusting Course
In life, we must adjust our course as well. Being able to receive correction from others is essential. I would hate to be a passenger on a plane with a captain who wouldn’t make course corrections. I can imagine the conversation with the tower, “No! I won’t change my heading. I’m right and you’re wrong! Don’t tell me what to do. Who do you think is piloting this plane? I don’t have to listen to you! I think you’re stifling my independence. I want another opinion.” This barrage of resistance would never occur in the cockpit of an aircraft, yet this type of opposition frequently occurs in addiction treatment. People with a myriad of psychological, social, financial, and physical problems appear to need help yet at the same time stubbornly refuse to receive it.
Receiving from Others
It takes a wise and humble person to be able to reach out for help. The ability to adjust course takes great maturity. Most people struggle with changing their direction and prefer to justify their old ways rather than listen to the advice of others. To make the most progress in your recovery journey, be willing to receive from others, make corrections, and adjust your course as needed.
Recovery is a Journey. Enjoy the Ride!