I am not an alcoholic nor have I ever suffered from any addiction. I share this with the upmost respect of all the brave and courageous souls that wish to better themselves through programs like AA. I share knowing this is a sensitive subject for some and I will not disclose any details of the people in the room, but only of my experience as I perceived it. I share this because I have a desire to learn how we heal ourselves.
I did not ask permission to attend a meeting. I did, however make sure this particular meeting was “open” to everyone. And like the majority of these “acts,” I was highly nervous. I kept an inner mantra in my head, “show love, be love” to un-do any of the nerves or negative thinking that would keep me from staying. I was there to listen, without judgment, and hopefully gain some understanding of people that were “seemingly” different than me. As the meeting began, right away I felt comfortable. I really love when people open their hearts and share who they are. And this is exactly what they were doing. I also loved how free they spoke of God, spirituality and their own demons. I loved how self-aware and open and safe they felt while sharing and thus, allowed others to feel, as well. I just kept wondering why, outside of this setting, are we so scared to share who we really are? Why would it take a “rock bottom” to change perspective? I will never know what it’s truly like to walk in their shoes; but I left feeling that maybe…we aren’t so different afterall.