Interview with a Pathwaynian – Scott Miller

An indepth interview with Pathways Graduate, Scott Miller. Class 297. May 2012 Graduation

What brought you to Pathways (how did you hear about it)? 

I came to Pathways because I had been separated from my wife at the time and didn’t know how all that was going to turn out. I knew I wanted some changes in myself whether I was going to mend the marriage or not. I knew that I was the common denominator in three broken marriages and that there was something that had to be done differently. I was three years sober and had worked through the twelve steps of recovery. I felt like my life was going well, other than the relationships with significant others and even some friendships. They were lacking substance. My sponsor, Geoff Holland, talked about how he felt and thought I would give it a shot. I was all about improving my life because my drug and alcohol addiction made a mess of every area of my life.

What has been your greatest challenge, since graduation and what tool do you use the most to overcome the challenge?

My greatest challenge is remembering that I am worthy of God’s best for my life. I use the DOT Process almost every day. Out of all the tools, somehow, this one reminds me that there are “NO BIG DEALS IN LIFE” anymore when you have a spiritual connection. Remembering that everything in my life is either a lesson or a blessing is a good rule for me.

What has been the biggest change in your life since graduating?

The biggest change in my life is my relationship with my boys and not settling. Believe me, it has been a process with some pitfalls but that’s how I learn. Suggestions from others never did any good for me. I’m stubborn! My best way to learn is through experience and the mistakes that come with that.

How has “living your training” in the outside world affected your relationships?

If there is one thing that I have learned in Pathways and recovery both is “BALANCE!” I grew up and lived my life in addiction as an all or nothing kind of guy. There is a reason for focusing on personal, professional, and spiritual matters. We have to give a fair share in all of these areas to feel balanced. It takes hard work but in my experience it is worth the effort. You experience a true sense of self and a peace that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Have you ever refreshed p3? Thoughts? 

Yes, I have refreshed P3. My experience is that the training meets you right where you are in your life at that moment. I got something quite different than when I initially went through.

Any tips on sponsoring? 

My only tip for sponsoring is to not look at the training as a whole even though that is what we want for everyone. Typically finances freak people out. Get them to commit to the weekend and allow the training experience be the decision factor on them returning. They are either ready for the change and will do anything to return or you have just planted a seed that will grow when the time is right for them. Sometimes people aren’t in enough pain for change, unfortunately.

How do you stay involved in Pathways? 

I have been TAing at Pathways for a little over two years now. I believe in the training and volunteer at least seven to eight months out of the year. It’s my way to give back to an organization that gave to me. If you become a TA, you are in for a treat and not to mention MUCH MORE training!

What’s your contract? 

I am a Confident, Courageous, Peaceful Man of God, Worthy of God’s Best, Humbly Kneeling Before Him One Day at a Time!

What do you want people to know about you? 

I want people to know that I am an open book. If my personal experiences can motivate others for change or plant a seed then I am doing God’s work.

What are you doing now…? 

Right now at this moment, I am typing answers for this interview. Living life in the moment. No, truthfully, I am living my dream and have been actively working on a number of artistic projects for work, starting my days with The Man in charge and recovery (The twelve steps and Pathways). “BALANCE.”