Nothing new to be said, simply different ways to say (hopefully don’t spray) it.  We can hear a thing over and over and over and then one day … one person … says that ONE thing in a certain way – and a magic lightbulb explodes above your head. That wake-up-shake-up where we hit our heads (V8 style) and say “AHA”.  I’ve heard recovery folk (including myself early on) spout over and over about having “quick forgetters”.  That’s why we continue to go to meetings to hear the same stories told different ways.  Akin to a book, the meanings change with multiple readings.

What changes you think? *pause … nods sagely* Good point. Agreed. *ahem* … my belief is the mind can hear relative to the healthfulness gained.  Lay-man’s (oooh) terms:  our ears open to the point of where we are.   Ever hear the words “drunk-a-logue or drug-a-logue”??  Why are these important?? When I got sober back in 92, that’s all I could relate to.  It definitely got my attention when someone used like me … thought like me … acted out like me … and obviously WEREN’T LIKE ME ANYMORE.   Did I hear some blah blah blah about steps and whatnot? Sure. Was I interested with my 19 year old self? Umm. No.  Let’s put it this way … thank g-o-d there were hot guys in AA back then or I’m not sure if I woulda stayed.  (honesty LOL)

Then I hear schools of thought that say “Don’t share all the time” or “If you’re early in recovery shut the **** up and listen.” Hmmm. I believe that listening is important indeed.  But if someone had told me that early on … I’m not sure what would’ve happened.  I was told there is a time and place for sharing and sharing and sharing.  I was given the opportunity to talk my face off while my old timer sponsor sat sagely and listened and nodded … off to sleep sometimes but dammit she listened.   When done she would say, “Feel better?”  I’d say, “Yep.” Her: “Okay now let’s focus on stepwork. Cause’ after hearing your crap that’s the only thing that will save your sorry ass.” Said with a wink and a smile and a hug, it was beautiful and healing.

Her basic message was just this:  No matter what you’ve done, been, felt, seen, heard, lived, hated, loved … you’re not alone. You never have to be alone again.  You are WORTH hearing. oh and ummm … this too.  Damn you’re sick. But I am too so it’s okay. We’ll get through this together.

Every word is important.  Sometimes examples of sick make others not feel so alone.  I’ve shared some deep malarky in meetings and have had others come up to me and say “I didn’t have the balls to say that but I feel that way too sometimes.”  Transversely a newcomer sharing feelings of fear and hopelessness reminds EVERY SINGLE PERSON in the room … what it used to be like. Sharing has value.  You never can tell what folks will relate to or what will give that next 19 blonde young thing her “AHA” moment.  Be that.  Share yourself, listen to others. WORDS= healing and catharsis.  It’s in the giving that you receive. AND in the receiving … that you give.