I Was An Exception

He [Bill W.] said to me, gently and simply, "Do you think that you are one of us?"

            Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 413 (Third Edition)

During my drinking life I was convinced I was an exception. I thought I was beyond petty requirements and had the right to be excused. I never realized that the dark counterbalance of my attitude was the constant feeling that I did not "belong." At first, in A.A., I identified with others only as an alcoholic. What a wonderful awakening for me it has been to realize that, if human beings were doing the best they could, then so was I! All of the pains, confusions and joys they feel are not exceptional, but part of my life, just as much as anybody's.  From the September 23rd Daily Reflections

My childhood and spinal cord injury were my excuses for being an exception.  In a less delusional reality the problem was entirely within my mind.  Pain, confusion and joy are a part of all our lives.  Sharing that with others helps complete me as a person.

I am grateful for: my sobriety; being able to afford another car when I need one; that my chest cold is better today; and for having a little more faith & trust in my higher power today than yesterday.