We Can Be Heroes

Yes, I've been following all the hoopla surrounding Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Being an avid fan of the characters, the story, and the mythological connotations, I just had to be among those who saw the movie during its first week. I was quite impressed—the computer-generated graphics are as realistic as I ever seen. I definitely recommend the movie if you want to escape reality for a few hours.

I happened to pick up a copy of the April 26 Time magazine the other day, and of course, it featured an interview with the movie's creator, George Lucas. Here is a quote I took to heart:

"Heroes come in all sizes, and you don't have to be a giant hero. You can be a very small hero. It's just as important to understand that accepting self-responsibility for the things you do, having good manners, caring about other people—these are heroic acts. Everybody has the choice of being a hero or not being a hero every day of their lives. You don't have to get into a giant laser-sword fight and blow up three spaceships to become a hero."

Now that is recovery in a nutshell. As co-dependents, we tried to be giant heroes. We tried to save the universe and everyone in it. We worked hard to convince others that we had their best interests in mind as we sought to control their actions. We talked ourselves blue in the face. We wore ourselves out from all the good we did, all the help we gave so selflessly, and all the advice we dispensed unsolicited.

First, we drove ourselves (and those around us) crazy with our giant heroics. Then we got depressed because no one appreciated us. No one noticed our flashing light saber. No one listened to our words of wisdom.

But in recovery, we have learned to live quietly. We've learned the value of letting go. We detach. We rest. We save the world by saving ourselves. We admit the craziness of seeking to control what we can't. We free ourselves to be ourselves. We free others to be themselves. We revel in today, in the moment, and we let tomorrow take care of itself. We seek to live in harmony with others. We take joy from the tiny surprises of a baby's breathing, a cool breeze on our forehead, or offering a friend a backrub and a hug.

We can take care of ourselves. We can love without becoming enmeshed. We can give without being taken. We can live peacefully and serenely. We can experience serendipity in every moment.

We can be heroes.

Thank you, God for allowing me to be a hero. Amen.

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