PROMISE ELEVEN

Nov 15, from “Strengthening My Recovery” daily reader

“With help from our ACA support group, we will slowly release our dysfunctional behaviors.” BRB p. 591

“Getting support to undergo the very challenging task of doing ACA work happens slowly. We might first hear of an ACA meeting and consider attending it, only to find that the day and time don’t quite work for us. Then our schedule changes and we are able to venture into our first meeting, usually filled with apprehension. We might start out looking at the slogans hanging on the walls and just listening to hear if, in fact, we have finally found a place to work through our issues.

As we continue to attend meetings, we might start looking around at the members and begin chatting with them afterwards to see if we can begin to gather more support. When we feel comfortable, we might then become ready to make some inroads in our Step work with a fellow traveler.

As we begin to experience our feelings and as memories return, the empathetic listeners we have gathered around us will encourage us to go forward. They have our backs. We then slowly let go of our dysfunctional behaviors and are released into the functional world.

On this day I will seek out ACA members who will support me as I learn how to practice more purposeful behavior.”

My experience:

I will never be the same

It never dawned on me when I walked into the room

The same for which I was, was destined for doom

As I walked into the space with my heart heavy sighing

I saw people cheerful and laughing and I saw some that were crying

This spot I entered was a wonder to me

Some place that I never thought I would be

But how could this exist without me ever knowing

A place that could truly help, my mind was blown

Smiles were freely given and even many a hug

Honestly, I was put aback, and my shoulders did shrug

Love from the entrance was given to me

But belief I deserved, dogged and eluded thee

They said that they would love and accept no matter what

They just wanted my acceptance as they already accepted me such

This initiated tears like I have never before

But like I would have in the past, I did not run for the door

I stayed to hear what more they had to say

And then like they asked, I came back another day

The folks in this room have seen me weep more than any other

These people now, I consider sisters and brothers

So, back and back continue I came

I realize now that I will never be the same