Pain is Our Greatest Friend

Pain, as well as all of our emotions were created within us as an ally, motivator, and a message that something may be wrong. Just as physical pain will tell us that we hurt ourselves so we can address the wound or injury, emotional pain can give us clues to assist our circumstances. Love will bring us closer, anger will identify what we really care about, anxiety can motivate us to work harder, sadness creates the greatest advocates, fear can warn us of danger, and hurt will help us to shed a tear which can be the greatest therapy. Substance abuse will take all of that away leaving us alone, empty, and without the greatest of them all: Pleasure. If you are newly clean and sober, welcome to life, and enjoy those gifts that our emotions can bring you.

For Those That Have Suffered…

"For those of us who have suffered with the pain of addiction, had an opportunity for recovery, and came out on the other side, we have something that many don’t have, and that’s a life experience that has shown us a view that’s ugly, painful, and deadly, therefore allowing us to truly understand and appreciate beauty, comfort, and life."

"Pain, Failure and Misery are the Stepping Stones to Success"

Let Our Voices Echo: L.O.V.E

From a chapter in "Pain, Failure and Misery are the Stepping Stones to Success." From a chapter titled "Let Our Voices Echo." This chapter was specifically for families who have lost loved ones either through death or uncertainty on if they are alive; I ended the chapter with this poem that may offer comfort. I feel it is important that our society removes the stigma of shame involved and talk about our pain. The acronym I created for L.O.V.E: Let Our Voices Echo. Put your loved ones name that you lost in the lines at the bottom as you read it.

I want to tell you about my love for you,
As I hurt by the choices you’ve made,
Nothing will ever come between you see,
Except to heal and find joy in me.

I remember the laughter that brought us together,
As I can’t think of a better time.
The joy that I had to watch you grow,
Brings a smile that I can’t destroy.

You will always be with me in my heart,
As a dove reminds me of you.
You will live forever from the mark you made,
As you go upon your way.

I stand for you and tell your story,
Because you are set free.
A gift to many that are suffering,
It’s the lessons you will gladly bring.

I’m happy yet sad that our time is up.
The door for us has shut.
The window has opened to a brand-new purpose,
But it’s you who has cleared the dust.

I will take some time to process the loss,
An emptiness that will always remain.
I will fill the void with an untamed goal,
That is to heal through your eternal soul.

Thank you ________ for that precious gift,
Of the time I spent with you.
But teachers are designed to often lead,
And then set their students free.

I love you _________________________
And rejoice in you.

You Deserve Happiness

Despite what you may feel at this moment, you deserve happiness and a life that demands joy, a self-love that allows you to separate from external pain and internally appreciate what you do have at this moment, right here and right now. As I discussed earlier in the book, fear can be overthrown by an appreciation that will ground you. HEALING ME can be equated with Happiness Equals a Loving, Invigorating, Never-ending, Grateful, Multifaceted Exultation. It’s the strength that comes from many facets as we come together and support each other through love and gratitude that allows us an ability to rejoice. Shame and blame is what I’ve seen mostly throughout the years that will hold you down and destroy your life. It’s time that we stand together, as there’s no need to do this alone, and LOVE together—Let Our Voices Echo.