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Treasure the Past

"Cling to the thought that, in God's hands, The dark past is the greatest possession you have--The key to life and happiness for others. "  ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS  P. 124

Love this! I have, indeed, clung to the belief (not just the thought) that my past (dark, mundane, and bright) is the greatest possession I have. I have used it to connect with people my whole life. Navy brat to Navy Brat. Alcoholic to alcoholic. 

At one time, I was ashamed of my experiences. I thought I was a lowly piece of crap because I came from a broken home; was molested by a male sitter at 5 years old; grew up on welfare intermittently; became sexually active early. .I added guilt and remorse with my own failed marriage as well as the loss of having my daughter with me when I moved to another state. Heap on more when my drinking accelerated and I went from failed relationship to failed relationship.

Today, I realize that all of those adverse experiences made me stronger and made me a more interesting person. Not to mention, given me numerous points of connection to help others.  What was once baggage becomes part of my spiritual toolkit.

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Location: University of Washington Medical Center, University of Washington, 1959 Northeast Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA

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