Here I am, in my seat, headed back to California attempting to accomplish some challenging work tasks. This one seems particularly daunting, but looking back – don’t they all?

I remarked to a friend just the other day that, over the last few years in my role as CEO at BRC Recovery, I have learned more than I ever could have imagined about things I never even knew I needed to know! From fire sprinklers and code compliance, to anaerobic septic systems to search engine optimization – the lessons have been varied and equal parts overwhelming and sublime.

Many days, sitting in my office talking to the staff, I would think to myself, when this challenge is over, it’s smooth sailing, nothing to worry about. Then all our attention will be directed toward programming and growth. But often it seemed, at the end of resolution came another wave of challenge- or was it opportunity?

On page 61, the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous states, “Is he not the victim of the delusion that he can wrest satisfaction and happiness out of this world if he only manages well?”

My limited concept of events is that they are meant to be wrestled and managed, and that once this is accomplished, happiness and satisfaction surely await. The result I have found is a lot of struggle and very little serenity.

What if I were to take my hands off the wheel? What if I just lifted things up to the Power of the Universe? What if the prayer becomes, first and always, that the highest good of all involved be served? And what does my experience show me? God is. God is in charge. God is omnipresent and omnipotent. God wants happiness, joy and freedom…For all.

Wheels up! There’s nothing left to do to prepare. I think I’ll put my laptop away, put my headphones on and just get quiet and centered on this long flight. One I hope is a long flight to freedom. It sounds like an experience with powerlessness has served me well again. Very well indeed. TYG

Marsha Stone, CEO
BRC Recovery