When a man is in recovery he needs one thought: “One day at a time.” But when a man starts an emotional growth mission he needs this thought: “Three years.”

This is what his emotional growth journey looks like:

YEAR ONE

• A crisis starts your journey
• Lots of starts and stops
• Promises to change
• Slips, apologies, recoveries
• Lots of inner conflict
• You join a group
• Start trying out new insights and language
• Make new friends
• Movement from self pleasure to a more disciplined life
• Your faith grows

YEAR TWO

• Clearer thinking
• More comfortable in your own skin
• Changing is the new norm
• Less fighting against and more moving towards
• Bigger inner battles being won
• Healthier thinking, deciding and acting
• Awareness of the needs- of self and others
• Much closer to God
• Valuing discipline

YEAR THREE

• Not the same guy who started this journey
• Deep sorrow for the wasted time
• Loves much deeper
• Standing on a very solid foundation
• Trust has been rebuilt
• Safe, even when left alone
• Humble. Readily admits, I am not invincible.
• A strong, sacred bond with Father, Son and Holy Spirit
• Sees discipline as the path to joy
• Strong in leadership. Teaches others

Biblical Concepts

Submit yourselves. Take the narrow path. Seek and you will find. Follow me- Jesus. Amen