RUNAWAY SLAVE

A journey to embrace, explore, and honor the Freedom and Power inherent in active recovery.



No more shame...

No more shackles....

No more secrets.



The path--and the Power--are within. Be Free.





Showing posts with label salvation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label salvation. Show all posts

Monday, June 4, 2012

Creating Our Niche


"You are getting weaker...so weak....and need a special friend..."
In all humans, there is a need to belong, a
need to be deemed worthwhile, a need to
be acknowledged , and a need to be needed.

Like most things, though, addictive personality
folks like myself have an increased sense of all
those desires.

It's part of the deep, dark, incessant desire of
an addict..to be Needed.

There is a sense of that emptiness in us that
cannot be filled unless we are enmeshed with
another person, a project, an all-consuming job,
a deeply-held belief system.

We need validation and acceptance more than most.
(And for some of us, learning that it can only
come from within takes a lifetime!)

But in order to be needed, neediness must first
exist in others. It must be found, isolated, enhanced,
cultivated, ensured, or manufactured, if need be.
(If you haven't learned to be complete,
 devoid of artificial means.)

If we don't maintain healthy connection to our own
value through self-validation or involvement in a variety
of community or world interests, we can become
obsessive or even fanatical about connection to some
specific thing or person.

Dependent on them, or it, for our sustenance, even
as we deny such a reality. Just like when the drugs
and alcohol had their hold.

People who would create a seeming 'need' for their
services in the minds of the very people they're
purportedly 'helping,' are only catering to their own needs.

The image maintained may be one of helpful compassion
and charity, but they're massaging their own egos and deep-
seated fears and disconnectedness by building themselves
up as a messenger or benefactor of the highest order.

If someone makes a living out of painting themselves as
a generous, well-meaning soul merely visiting sympathies
and salvation on weary world-travelers, be afraid.

And then recognize that you can save your own liberated self.

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Friday, May 18, 2012

Claiming 'Salvation' Doesn't Heal Wounds



I do feel badly for those people who are hurting--
so extremely needy and scared and pressured that
they attempt to cover their vulnerability with a flourish
of extremism and stridency.


But understanding nor sympathy do not--and should not--
extend themselves to excusing and rationalizing the abusive
behaviors employed by those who are in denial of self.


These folks are train wrecks looking for a place to happen, and
they seek to bring other people along for the ride. Self-destructive
behavior does not just affect self. And being dry does not eliminate
drunkard psychosis.


In the quest to deny self, cover up with lies, and promote tonics
and wishful thinking, the blind fanatics of A.A. and other 12 Step
programs not only prolong their own pain and misery (under a
pretense of being free from the normal human elements and afflictions,)
they seek to confuse and distract others with unhealthy false coping
mechanisms so they don't have to journey alone.



Compassion for these troubled, wayward, stifled souls exists,
but commitment to the greater number prevails. Once someone is
lost in a maze of duplicitous living--lying even to themselves in
interior monologues--I don't have an answer for what might be
able to reach them and convince them of their toxic distortions.

I don't know what might set them free, if anything. Especially if
they remain entombed and entwined in an isolated world of 'like'
others constantly reenforcing their indoctrination....and requiring
their adherence.


It's been my experience that no reasoning or pleading or
exposure to logic can sway people once they have committed to
and cemented themselves upon that course of adamant self-
righteousness and absolutism.


Sad, but we all make our own beds.



I have to be concerned with the greater good. I have to try and help
the people most interested in being honest and well. Exposing  truth
and uncovering fraud so that, hopefully, many will be spared the snares
and hurts always associated with dealing with people who are purveyors
of false goods.

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