For weeks I sat in the back of the rooms,
silent when others shared their experience,
strength, and hope.
I listened to their stories and found so many areas
where we overlapped--not all of the deeds,
but the feelings of remorse and hopelessness.
I learned that alcoholism isn't a sin, it's a disease.
That lifted the guilt I felt.
I learned that I didn't have to stop drinking forever,
but just not pick up that first drink one day,
one hour at a time.
I could manage that.
There was laughter in those rooms and sometimes tears,
but always love, and when I was able to let it in,
that love helped me heal.

Thought to Ponder....

When we love,
we see in others what we wish to have in ourselves.

Recovery Related Acronym

H E A L = Helping Every Alcoholic Live.