The writer compares recovery to peeling an onion or a birch tree which looses its bark gradually.  If the bark gets taken prematurely, it is vulnerable to infection, fungus, and insects.  The writer goes on to say that if we are stripped of our defenses prematurely, we can be wounded.  We have spent a significant amount of time trying to cope with our wounds, but in alanon we are encouraged to shed away our ideas and defenses which are no longer needed.  In the reminder it says that we need not force ourselves to change, but if we show up and are willing, the changes will come.

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I have spent my entire life recovering from an abusive older brother and a completely dysfunctional family situation.  I have made the most progress as I have continued my recovery in this program.  I have been able to forgive him and spend time alone with him for the first time in many years.  On Saturday I visited my childhood home and the owners allowed myself and my nice brother to go inside.  I walked through all these rooms where my wounds occurred.  And because I have a new found sense of myself who has a certain amount of control over me, and I'm not trying to control anyone else, this was an amazing healing experience.  I have definitely shed a few more layers of unnecessary baggage.