~ SHARING OUR STORIES ~
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"You leave home to seek your fortune
and, when you get it, you go home and
share it with your family."
Anita Baker
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For much of my life I tried to be
"Strong." I kept silent about my own
suffering and focused instead on others
people’s needs and how I could help
them. Though I could listen and offer
advice, I lacked empathy and
understanding.
When my stoic, stubborn, and silent
avoidance of my own struggles finally
made my life unmanageable, I entered
recovery. By listening to stories shared
by others, I have been blessed. I have
found that none of us walk this path
alone. We learn from each other and from
the strength of traditions. I have found
empathy.
I came to see that my silence was born
from weakness, not from strength. It was
shame, fear, and pride, which kept me
hiding. Now I find great joy and freedom
in sharing my story with others. I am
particularly grateful to God for the way
He used my story with my Dad.
My crisis not only drove me to seek
help, but it freed my Dad to get help
too. If I had remained silent, not only
would I have been destroyed, but I would
have robbed my Dad of the acceptance and
freedom to admit and seek the help he
needed ~ and that has so profoundly
changed his life.
ONE DAY AT A TIME . . .
I will recognize that my history and my
current experiences are not to be hidden
in silence. I will share my story with
others.