acoa sanctuary Community Group
The softer side of growing up in a dysfunctional home... a sanctuary to feel home with friends and never alone.
Hi Everyone,
Last weekend I spent in Hot Springs, Arkansas at a "National Recovery Month" event. I was the keynote speaker. I have spoken in the past to different groups and organizations, but nothing like this.
Maybe 1,500 people were there and it was an experience to say the least. I spent the weekend there and when it was finally time for me to share... all my fears just kind of left... I was with 1,500 people that were just like me. I didn't have to impress them or anything else... all they wanted was me.
It was a very rewarding experience... I spoke for a half-hour and finished up with a poem of mine... which got a few tears. *blushing*
On the ten hour drive home, I thanked my HP for being with me and the prayers of many people wishing me well and I realized that none of my life would be possible without 12 Step Fellowships... it was a very rewarding experience.
When I started my own recovery program I never envisioned how my life would change or the direction it would go. I am glad to have handed my life over to my HP and just being a very content child taking in all the sights and saying -wow - a lot.
When I got back people asked me how I did and I have said. I didn't strike out, nor hit a home run... I would say a solid double in the gap.
This past year has continued to impress me... not with what I have done or accomplished but what my HP continues to put in front of me and giving me the opportunity to continue to grow... and for that I will be forever grateful...
Dave
Last weekend I spent in Hot Springs, Arkansas at a "National Recovery Month" event. I was the keynote speaker. I have spoken in the past to different groups and organizations, but nothing like this.
Maybe 1,500 people were there and it was an experience to say the least. I spent the weekend there and when it was finally time for me to share... all my fears just kind of left... I was with 1,500 people that were just like me. I didn't have to impress them or anything else... all they wanted was me.
It was a very rewarding experience... I spoke for a half-hour and finished up with a poem of mine... which got a few tears. *blushing*
On the ten hour drive home, I thanked my HP for being with me and the prayers of many people wishing me well and I realized that none of my life would be possible without 12 Step Fellowships... it was a very rewarding experience.
When I started my own recovery program I never envisioned how my life would change or the direction it would go. I am glad to have handed my life over to my HP and just being a very content child taking in all the sights and saying -wow - a lot.
When I got back people asked me how I did and I have said. I didn't strike out, nor hit a home run... I would say a solid double in the gap.
This past year has continued to impress me... not with what I have done or accomplished but what my HP continues to put in front of me and giving me the opportunity to continue to grow... and for that I will be forever grateful...
Dave
it is such a wonderful thing to see you use your past experiences and turn them into a teaching tool, an outreach, a way to connect with others who have suffered as well and may still be suffering. You serve as a beacon of hope. It's awesome to witness your journey. :-)
Peace and blessings.
I can do anything because with this speech... I could speak... how many people can't speak?
I can do anything because I can write... how many people can't do it because they have no fingers or hands?
I can do anything because I can work... how many people can't for one reason or another?
I can take photos around the river where I live... how many people can't do that because they have no legs or feet?
I believe I am limitless with what I can do because my HP has blessed me with so many things...
When I was in Hot Springs I had a great discussion with the head psychologist and it revolved around the gifts we receive in recovery.
I made mention that I would have never dreamed of writing poetry (way to sissy) or then reading those poems at nursing homes or cancer events. These were gifts that HP gave me. This guy smiled, he was in his mid 50's and said he had just purchased his first home and he always wanted a room just for his hobby. He wanted to paint and draw... and as he spoke his eyes just lit up... he was living his dream... a dream that never would have happened without recovery. It was part of his "anything."