Trudging toward our destiny

The word “trudge” doesn’t necessarily conjure images of skipping along a green pathway lined with scented flowers in full bloom. Nor does it sound like a sunset walk by the river with a loved one. Images of carefree individuals on a warm spring evening strolling along the avenue. No, it sounds more like schlepping uphill in the mud with cement blocks attached to your shoes! In fact, the definition of “trudge” is “to walk, laboriously or wearily”. Doesn’t THAT sound pleasant! Yet, in my recovery, I am asked to “trudge the road of happy destiny.” And of course, me being me argued the rationale of such a statement. As usual, there is a deeper meaning.

In the early days of my recovery, there were many contradictions in terms. For instance, “to keep it you have to give it away.” As I listened and became teachable, these statements were made clear. They became less of a contradiction and more a different way of looking at life, sober life. Our efforts at cleaning up our past, inching forward into our sober life is literally one step at a time — we trudge. In recovery, to trudge is to put one foot in front of the other with purpose. The purpose of staying sober and helping others on their journey.