The Source For Personal Growth, And, Being Silent Doesn't Mean We Are Afraid. Boring Isn't Boring. It Means We or Others Are Healthy

     Good evening,

I just arrived at home after being with friends.  When it was over, some of us continued hanging out, heading over to the refurbished Juanita's Mexican restaurant.  Hello to Cheryl.  She said she was dropping by tonight to check out this cozy place in cyberspace for the first time.

My Gratitudes for Tonight:
     I spent time connecting with
clients, outside of our sessions.  I spoke on the phone with several this afternoon hearing reports about their progress.  Later, I saw two clients at an Al-Anon Family Group meeting in Alameda.

1.  It's heartening seeing those I help grow in their strength and confidence.  It is the result of applying healthy principles to surmount life's difficulties and disappointments.

The Cause For Growth
Intimacy Thriving In A Safe Environment

 2.  I appreciate the caring, belonging and community shared during tonight's meeting. We talked about Tradition Six, not letting the bling of life to distract us from our primary spiritual aim: our personal recovery from codependency.  It was terrific, the intimacy we enjoyed as a group.  Closeness happens when we can be authentic and vulnerable and receive unconditional acceptance.

     A recovering alcoholic who attended tonight's meeting----a "double winner"----asked me, after the meeting, why some who were there were afraid to speak up.  I disagreed.  I informed her that many of us are not driven to fill up every second of silence with conversation.  I mentioned that many were quiet because they were processing what others shared.

     I also said that boring is good.  That it's not boring, but healthy.  We don't need constant drama, verbiage, or action, nor a constant need to binge on adrenaline.  Peace, silence and serenity is good, too, I mentioned.

3.  I was happy sharing with this woman that silence, tranquility, spiritual communion and ease is just as valuable---if not more---than being in a voluble group.

4.  I was thrilled hearing two clients share the tremendous growth they are experiencing, because recovery is a part of their healing process.  Like a proud parent, I beamed as they expressed their growing freedom from the disease of codependency.

     They both mentioned they are learning how to take care of their needs.  No longer are they automatically putting the desires of others before tending to their dreams, wants, needs and feelings.  They are becoming in tune with themselves.  When that happens depression is lessened.  Depression is a silent internal scream telling us that we are not meeting our needs.

5.  I'm happy making my life count.  I enjoy tending to roses that have been burned and browned by strife.  It's a privilege seeing clients drop petals wilted by abuse and self-loathing and bloom anew, like they have never have before.

How About You? 
1. Are there areas where you see yourself growing stronger?
2. Where are you able to experience authenticity?

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