While rehab may be about abstinence from alcohol or drugs, working the 12-Steps of AA requires fellowship, getting out of your own head, supporting others, tolerance, being of service, honoring commitments – and changing your attitude about the world, people, and circumstances in your life. It’s also about surrendering the belief that you can control everything, i.e., drop your ego at the door.

Actually, I think many of us might benefit from a stint in rehab – just to change our attitudes. I’ve been visiting a dear friend in treatment, and watching the transformation from self-centeredness to true caring is humbling. I want a dose of that. I need a dose of that.

When I start thinking strangely or meanly or find myself building up resentment about something – or someone, I really wish there was an AA – Attitude Adjustment – rehab where I could check in and get my mind and heart back in order. In lieu of that, I will reach out and help someone with an offer of 3Lunches coaching, a listening ear, or simply a shoulder to cry on.

Actively helping someone else is my rehab. It’s the fastest way to feel good right now, and it’s the first step to bringing myself back into balance. Sometimes it is hard to get into into the “helping” mode, especially when things are tough, but  as they say in the real AA: You have to act right in order to feel right – not the other way around.

What’s your rehab?