Monday, October 23, 2017

Oct. 23, 2017 - Readings in Recovery: Today's Gift from Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

Monday, Oct. 23, 2017
Today's thought from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is:
I'm Not Ashamed
My child dreamed of becoming a firefighter, a fisherman, and a marine biologist when he grew up. Becoming an addict was not on his list. I know the child who dreamed those dreams and he is a child to be proud of. Tender and thoughtful and smart, he should be living his dreams. But my child isn't here-an addict has taken his place. Someone who looks like my child is hooked to the strings of an evil puppeteer and living a tortured life. Instead of fighting fires, my child is fighting demons. Instead of tying flies, he's flying high. Instead of reaching for the stars, he's reaching for a bottle. A life full of promise lost to a jug full of lies. Addiction took my child's dreams, chewed them up, and spat out a nightmare.
No, my child didn't dream of becoming an addict, and it certainly wasn't what I dreamed for him either. But I'm not ashamed my child is an addict. I'm sad he's an addict. By shining the light on addiction, I might just get him back.
Shame is a soul-eating emotion.
Carl Jung
You are reading from the book:
Tending Dandelions © 2017 by Sandra Swenson

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