Going Back To Childhood

From Courage To Change, March 22:

“In order to survive in the contradictory and explosive world of alcoholism, many of us learned to ignore our feelings. We lost touch with ourselves without even knowing it.

For example, although I pointed an accusing finger at the alcoholics in my life for deserting me in times of need, I wasn’t a very good friend to myself. In my fear and confusion, I walked away from the little child in me who lived simply, who cried when the cat died and then let it go, who could appreciate a sunset and not want to own it, and who lived one day at a time.

Recovery does not mean that I have to become a different person. It means I need to start being myself again. The lessons I’m learning in Al-Anon are lessons I already know. I just need to remember.

Today’s Reminder:

There is an innocence within me that already knows how to trust my Higher Power, to cherish life while holding it lightly, to live fully and simply in the present moment. I will allow that part of myself to come forward and nourish me as I continue on this journey.

‘It takes a long time to become young.’ Pablo Picasso”

It’s taken a long time in recovery for me to let go of my fears and need to control—and trust again. Loosening my grip on everything, letting go of outcomes, trusting that God has a plan and is a lot smarter than I am—these are a few elements of my recovery that have made my life so much simpler. It’s almost like becoming a child again…

4 thoughts on “Going Back To Childhood

  1. I love what you said: “It means I need to start being myself again.”
    I heard in a meeting, recovery is learning to recover who you were meant to be. I think it is a prayer all of us are on in this life journey. At least today, I need to be reminded that we are all in this together in my family and I need to remember to pray for others and their recovery, too.

    I think I just had a mini meeting online by reading your blog post. 🙂

    1. Beviepearl, thanks so much for your response. “Being myself again” means peeling away the protective layers we all have to cope in life. They cloak us and shield us. But they keep us from presenting ourselves as we really are to the world. Hence, our loneliness and isolation. No one really knows us. How well do we really know ourselves?

      This is an honest program, and I’m not afraid to tell the truth anymore. It really will set us free!

      And if people judge us and/or shun us as a result of our honesty, do we really want them in our life anyway?

      1. Marilea,
        I am learning EXACTLY what you said, “And if people judge us and/or shun us as a result of our honesty, do we really want them in our life anyway?” And my answer is no.

        1. Here, here, Anonymous! It’s nice to be “heard.” 🙂 Thanks for stopping by with your comment!

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