...

Claiming my space- "in the rooms" and claiming my space in the world. In the alcoholic home the boundaries are blurred- and sometimes non-existent. Chaos and crisis... ...and sometimes, calm.

I went to my nearest f2f meeting and there was another person there. I reflect- that in this neck of the woods we get to share a lot- because the meetings are small. However, for me I could never ever share enough. I needed the time, and the space to clear may head.

The other person did most of the sharing- might have been like a step 8 and 9 for them. And now a step 10, here, for me.

This year I subscribed to the New Yorker, online. This morning there was late snow on the hills and a read an article by a Japanese writer. About this family lines- his dad and the war. Both his grand-dad and his dad were drinkers. And he had found it impossible to reach his dad emotionally.

Like mine, his dad was a soldier. And my dad actually served in Japan, in 1946.

One of the great rewards of recovery, for me- is to have witty and intelligent conversation. This has come late in life, along with self-taught guitar lessons. I can now play three chords and three songs... which is an achievement for me.

This new month I am standing for the local community board. There are four places for eight candidates. So I have thrust myself into this one.

We have a business designed to provide for our retirement. I am grateful to be living in a country where we had a 50-50 chance of success. We had to work extremely hard over the last two years. It was challenging. It was a tremendous bonding exercise. And it drew our family bonds closer and closer.

i was ready for this, and primed for this- because of my experience in the rooms. I was lifted emotionally. I always say that the main symptom of success, is that it seems impossible- at the time.

Thanks for the share,

DavidG.