I was at a meeting this morning, one that's quickly becoming my favorite. A woman that I met when I first became sober was in attendance, as well. I see her often, but she's usually surrounded by the other women with long term sobriety, and I'm intimidated. So today she approached me, gave me a hug, and said "wow, you're glowing- I was watching you during the meeting and I noticed that you're just glowing!". What?!? My immediate response was to say something negative about myself- a joke at my own expense. I don't really like when people look at me too long, it makes me anxious and I assume that they are picking out my flaws. She then goes on to say "you know, I never realized that you have a pretty smile". Well, that's no mystery- it took me months to feel relaxed enough to actually smile. Like, for real- not the phony, plastic, panic stricken kind of smile. Well, they do say that often others notice changes in you before you do:) This woman made my day- and I told her so, and gave her another hug. That's another thing I couldn't do for far to long.
Colleen...Something I notice is when recovery sets in with newcomers...It's like you have been filled with grace, a warmth, a calm....whatever you want to call it. It's a point at which you are wearing your program now and it looks good on you. I see this in others at about 9 months to a year sober often and I'm betting that's what this lady was referring to.
Not that you won't have days where you have a bad hair day or just are not feelin' it. But you will never look like that broke down empty person you were 10 months or so ago again.
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Keep coming back. It works if you work it. So work it. You're worth it!
i smiled at your post.. Col, I see your smile... even in your avatar its obvious that someone could cover your month and the smile would still been seen in your eyes... and from reading your post, I see your growth... you are glowing.
It's very true Col, ... ... ... Very often we see the changes one goes through easier than they, themselves do ... one reason? ... because the same changes in us occurred once and were brought to our attention too ... it IS a great feeling to know for a fact that our work is showing results that are easily seen by others ... it's very re-affirming for sure ...
It's just one of the very many blessings that start coming our way when we work the program and make it our life ... .. ...
Love Ya, Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
