"Personalities Before Principles" Not So Much!!

I know miracles happen in the Gamblers Anonymous Program because I have been personally associated with a few (more then a few!!) miracles in my three years associated with the Program. I owe my new life, beliefs, attitude and generally my overall existence to the Program. I continue to meet incredible people in the Program and I am eternally grateful.

One of these “miracles” occurred last night after the meeting. I was talking with another member who informed me they did not much care for me when I first entered the Program. They went on to state they were very skeptical of my motives when I first entered the Program. However; now they are no longer skeptical of me and I was told that this person does indeed “like” me.

I had known that this person did not care as it was fairly obvious. I didn’t dwell on it and I stayed focused in my recovery. I am not looking for validation from anyone other then myself. As long as I know I am doing the right things I do know everything continues to work out for the very best. However; encounters with people who do not care for me can be a bit uncomfortable and I believe I did my best to stay above the “personalities before principles” concept.

When this person stated they did indeed like me and were very happy to see me back at the meeting they went on to say “I changed”. As quickly as they stated this the “I” which was directed at me was change to an “I” associated with them. I do believe this person was correct in both cases. I have changed since entering the Program and so has this person. I also believe we both continue to change for the positive. The GA Programs works in so many ways and I am so happy to be a part of a fantastic organization.

Yesterday I received a telephone call from a long standing GA member who has become a very dear friend. I have written about this person quite extensively in the past and this person is amazing. This was the first time we talked on the telephone since I “went away” and it was so good to hear their voice. This person is very involved in the treatment and awareness of problem gambling. This dear friend is someone I continue to emulate as an integral part of my recovery.

In June of this year there is a very large conference for the Problem Gambling. This conference is part of the National Council of Problem Gambling and I have had the good fortune to communicate several times with the Executive Director. In fact he has invited me to attend the conference in June and this invitation was extended to me several months ago.

As I was speaking to my dear friend I was informed that this dear friend would be presenting at the conference. The conversation progressed and the next thing I knew my friend asked me to be part of his panel at the conference. This was a huge compliment and I quickly accepted. My dear friend still needs to get approval from the Executive Director but being asked is certainly enough for me. The panel discussion is centered on the theme of what should casinos be doing to address problem gamblers.

I have some thoughts about this and would love to share them at the conference. This is exactly what I want to do in regards to problem gambling. I do believe I have a “unique” (to say the least!) perspective when it comes to this as I have been on both sides of the equation. I also believe I can add value to any discussion on problem gambling as it relates to the problem gambler and the operator. This is a wonderful opportunity. I do hope to be able to be on the panel as I know good things will continue to happen.

I work for some very special people. I have outlined before I am part of a “family” business. This is a “family” operation in not only the “bloodlines” but in the lifelines of everyone. My boss is a kind, generous, caring and giving person. This sometimes doesn’t lend itself to the stereotypical acumen of a businessperson but I much prefer it over anyone else I have ever worked for. Everyone else associated with the business is equally kind, generous, caring and giving people. Good things will happen and they are already happening.