My story
Growing up with a mom who was alcoholic, I learned early on to "read" people. As early as age 7, 8, or 9 I recall when getting off the school bus and entering my home if I "heard" my mom's voice (say while on the phone) and the pitch, pace, tone, volume, inflection was light, I knew it might be a "safe" place. If, on the other hand, I "heard" an edge, a certain pitch (she had been drinking) I braced myself for a challenging evening. This same "observation" went with body language too.
I could even tell how safe or challenging my time at home would be by the sound of my mom loading or unloading the dishwasher!
I carried this into my adulthood unconsciously scanning people / listening to voices to determine "safety" or "danger". A very taxing way to live indeed. It is only until the last several years that I've recognized and worked on overcoming this challenge.
Yes – we all have stories. They are integral to the core of our being. Historically I didn’t consider my story or stories to be worthy or impactful enough to share. As a person in recovery from alcohol addiction over the past 27 years, I’ve heard hundreds and hundreds of powerful stories of healing and recovery. My story in this area is more – shall I say – pedestrian! Yet I do know it is relevant and my story can and does resonate with certain individuals – inside the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous and outside.
Life tends to cover up our stories. Many simply stuff them done under layers of guilt, remorse, resentment, shame, trauma – you name it. Yet our adventures and experiences are worthy of sharing. Indeed they will connect with someone – perhaps many – to help shine a light of wholeness and connection.
All humans are story-worthy. Sharing our stories with compassion, openness, and vulnerability is a healing process not to be overlooked or dismissed.
Neil McGuffog
https://www.atthecoreindy.com/
317-757-9165