A restless night was cause for a tremendous struggle with the icy pavement this morning because my mind battled so hard I couldn’t sleep. So, I got up around 3 a.m. to write and capture specific thoughts. After an hour of therapy session today, I cringed with hearing the therapist’s theory my lack of acceptance to all of Lynda.

Here is a pondering thought. Lack of self-acknowledgment can be a self-inflictive impediment.

When I listen to other people’s stories, I can identify and know that I am not different. Yet, I cannot ignore many ways that I am different, such as skin color, upbringing, disparities within my culture, and so many other things.

Nonetheless, I accept no differences in my addictions than others because I pay attention and want to hear other people’s stories. The journeys might sway, but the results are the same. One drink or drug is too many, and a thousand is never enough.  If I can remember this, I won’t have an excuse to isolate myself to separate and feel unique. Because if I convince myself that I am dissimilar, then that is a dangerous place for slipping. I choose to take responsibility for myself and know that my dis-ease wants to keep me isolated to feel that I don’t deserve the life I have today, which is one of recovery.

For example, today, I was in a meeting that is not exclusive for A.A. They provided statistics on the percentage of people who stay in the A.A. recovery and how many go back out. I cannot worry about what others do because I know that nothing has worked other than what I am doing today, and that’s good enough for me to continue to work on my plans.

I want to continue living my best life, so I want to surround myself with others in recovery fellowships—trying to save our lives. For that reason, I am not separate—I will continue to purge to be on a clear path, so I am grateful for the connections.

Peace and love. Feel free to share and invite others. To unsubscribe, say so. The reading is attached.

Author, Lynda M.