Unexpected Reminders Keep Me Grounded and Grateful
Have you ever experienced a time when seemingly out of nowhere a conversation shifts sharply from one subject to a shared experience you were emotionally unprepared to address? Wow is that interestingly awkward.
My sense is this kind of communication topic-hopping shock stems from either distance between past situations and present day, or because I’ve taught people I’m unaffected by the truth of my past. Regardless, I admit there are some moments of my not-so-charming past that remain fresh in my mind.
I know time does heal most wounds. I’ve tended to many of mine leaving no scar for an observer’s eye to meet. Yet when even a microscopic emotional connection to what happened floats into present day, I’m immediately taken back to the scenes I wish to but can’t forget.
During the past week, two people I love dearly spoke with me about their experience when I had one of my alcohol withdrawal seizures. As they talked I did what I could to assure my outward expression was open and willing to listen. Yet on the inside my blood ran cold as I took in each word.
In equal measure they told me the sound of my husband’s fearful screams on that frightful day are still quite clear when collectively the thought was they were watching me die.
Even though I lived though millions of moments since then, all I need is this kind of reminder and I’m instantly thrown back to when my physical self begged for the kind of help my emotional self could not verbally express.
The intention of what my loved ones said this week were not to hurt me or berate me for my past however their words broke my heart into a thousand pieces for the woman I was and those who experienced her.
No matter how hard I try I cannot wish for the facts of my past to show up differently today. In addition, I have no control over how others recall the days when I was slowly killing myself in the silence of too much alcohol and not enough food.
For a very long time I did all I could to keep from being reminded of what my life was like then. I would have rather spent countless hours in an attempt to empty a swimming pool with a teaspoon than to sit through 5 minutes of truth about my life with untreated alcoholism and an eating disorder.
I don’t feel the same today.
I’ve learned through the practical experience of others and my own that the only way to fully heal wounds of my past is to face the truth with an open heart and mind. I need to dig deep and get brutally honest about what happened so I can attain the kind of clarity necessary for me to authentically express myself. The next step is to find someone with similar experience and talk through what may still confuse me. This vital conversation allows for accountability and the chance to better equip me when I address my past with those who hold their own pain and confusion about that time in my life.
Undoubtedly my desire to erase horrible moments I caused loved ones is profound. However I also know life experiences are purposeful. Those who thought they were witness to my last breath have since watched me take many more. In time they have found use for that practical experience when given an opportunity to support others with similar struggles.
Although these recent conversations threw me off a bit, they prove remarkably motivating.
Just prior to the walk down memory lane I was drowning in doubt and fear of failure about moving forward with one of the toughest expressions of my recovery. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, I’m reminded I’m far from failure because I didn’t die. I survived.
The interactions with loved ones did more for me than I could have done for myself. I’m back to the work I feel passionate about and deep down know I’m meant to share.
Now I’m no longer fearful of unexpected reminders because they keep me grounded and grateful.
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A Moment to Breathe …
What’s holding you back? What stories are you telling yourself that may keep you from what you are passionate about? Pay attention. There are nudges and reminders around every corner. I’d love for you to share your experience and insight with this topic by leaving a comment here or via one of social media links below.
Alison's Insights 
You’re an excellent, thoughtful, and caring writer, Alison!
Thank you Dan. Your ongoing support is deeply appreciated!
I think that their willingness to share their experience with you shows they see you as a completely different person. And perhaps it lets out some of their fears that have stayed hidden inside.
Occasionally my daughter mentions times when I passed out on the bed and she couldn’t wake me up. I truly believe I have forgiven myself for my actions, I was just so sad and lost, but it still hurts to feel that disappointment.
She is not saying it to hurt me. More – she just comments how clear and available I am now without wine.
The best response is to say thank you for helping me see how in need of love I was. I am so happy I have found that love now.
Thank you for sharing your experience in similar situations. You are absolutely right. There is something quite wonderful about the fact people do see me as a changed woman. If when I was still navigating my days with untreated alcoholism someone told me this would one day happen I would have thought they were nuts. Amazing what happens when we keep doing the next right thing.