I had a conversation with someone dear to me that had concerns about how much information I was posting about myself and my experiences. He brought up some good points and made me start to think about my blog a little differently. I do want to share my story because I hope that the testimony I have could be inspirational to many people who are struggling with addiction and with living with people who have an addiction. However I am realizing that maybe it’s not so much about sharing what has happened to me as is it important for people to know that there is a way out, there is a new way to live, for everyone involved with the struggle. This disease is taking over our world and I want to make a difference. I want people to feel the freedom I feel when your honestly in recovery, I want people to learn that nothing is impossible with God on your side. So I am going to try something a little differently. Maybe the best way to help is to know what people are struggling with, and try to offer some direction. Now, I don’t have a degree in psychology and I am not a counselor…but I do have 17 years of living a life of bad choices and addiction. I now know how I affected people around me and I know how it feels to be an addict. I also know how it feels to be a grateful recovering addict and how it feels to have a relationship with a God of my understanding. There is nothing better…there is no chemical induced feeling that will last as long as recovery. The only thing that is guaranteed when you are in active use is hurting the people who love you, going to jail, being institutionalized, or worse…death. So I am interested in helping any way I can. What are you struggling with?? Do you have to let people go that you have had in your life for years, because you choose recovery? Do you need encouragement? Are you searching for a way out, but have no idea where to start? Do you just want to share the joy of recovery with me? Even if you don’t want a response and just need someone to listen to you, let me know. Anything….any response is welcome, any questions are welcome. I have an email address attached if you choose to talk to me in private. I will never use your name but I may use your question. You never know what you ask that someone may be too afraid to ask because they feel like they may be judged. There is no judgment here. I leave that to God. It’s not my place and never will be. So whatever it is…whatever you need help with; let me try to help you. If don’t think I can relate, that’s okay. Maybe I can’t but I know how it feels to be ashamed and isolated. I understand the feelings of confusion, anger, helplessness, sadness, and doubt. But I also know how it feels to be courageous, loved, happy, and free. I think the majority of us do, but when you’re coming out of an addiction you experience feelings that you repressed for so long so they do not feel normal, when in reality they are. It’s difficult, but anything worth having is not easy…if it was everyone would live in a perfect world. We all know that perfection is a fairytale, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be inspired to live a better life. We have to fight for our life, the way we fought for our addiction. I can promise that I will be honest and empathetic, but I will not make excuses for you. The first step to anything is accepting our part in the situation. If you think you might be ready to fight for your life send me your questions and comments. I am ready when you are, but don’t wait too long. You never know what tomorrow holds and you never know if you’ll get another chance.
May God Bless You and Keep You….Forever.
☮Richelle☮
No comments:
Post a Comment