Keith Bray

IQ of a HOUSE PLANT

I just got off the phone with a client, and was once again reminded how complicated bright people can make life.

Last night I attended a meeting, and on a board was the message “Keep It Simple”. I think it is a message most of those who read this and are going through recovery should have tattooed in neon in a visible place.

We were not all created equal from an intelligence quotient point of view. Some got more than others. How it is put to use is another different subject. Most people I have met that need major life change are not short on capacity but have used the capacity to complicate the heck out of life; and have taken themselves to a point of moments of insanity.

From testing, I know that I have more than average capacity. In some ways I’ve used it productively, in other ways I allowed my intellect to make things that should have been simple very complicated. Today I intellectualize less and that is a miracle!

What would life be like if a person had the IQ of a house plant, and was able to live a simple life and face situations head on without complicating? I have a feeling it would be far more serene than what many of us create.

My client has faced his addiction, and through today, has not been active for a good period of time, in a behavior than was taking the most important things in his life away from him. You would think that he’d be thrilled and those around him would be also.

Yet, during today’s session, that scary thought from him. “Rationally, I can’t explain what has happened to cause the change.” For bright people it is hard to just accept and not need a detailed explanation. It was a meaningful discussion.

Miracles are not rational! I have finally been able to accept that in my own life.

Those in recovery, look around you. They say recovery is a simple program for complicated people, and isn’t that the truth. Anyone going to write a book (or maybe they have) - Recovery for Dummies?

“Keep It Simple”. As we face challenges, may all of us remember the humble house plant that spreads its leaves, is aesthetically pleasing and just gives and accepts nurturing from others while remaining firmly rooted! Oh for the IQ of a house plant. (hopeserenity.ca)