All experience is an arch to build on. -- Henry Brooks Adams
We can learn something from any experience, even one that is painful. In fact, we often learn more from painful experiences than from pleasant ones. When we say or do something foolish or hurtful that causes us embarrassment or guilt, pain gives us a reason to learn and behave differently next time. It may hurt to be arrested for drunk driving, but the pain of that experience may be the beginning of recovery for someone who is addicted.
We can't change the experiences we have, but we can learn from them. Our life is a gift that comes wrapped in what we experience each moment. When we accept this gift and open it willingly, no matter what the wrapping looks like, we put ourselves in a position to discover unexpected treasures. We live life to the fullest, and we learn who we are as we grow. In that way, all experience is positive in building our new lives.
Today let me learn something that will help me grow in wisdom and maturity.
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
I've often said that no matter how painful, I regret very little of my life's experiences because they have culminated in me being who I am today, and I'm proud and grateful for who I've become. The experiences that I've had that I regret I've dealt with using the steps-like for making amends. Those are my only regrets, hurting others on this journey I chose.
Putting both the positive and negative choices I've made into the bundle, even those I make today, are the things that teach me who I really am, in context to myself and to others. I can't regret, wholly, the things that have helped me grow emotionally and spiritually. I am who I am, an alcoholic/addict, and I've walked through my heavens and my hells. There is a purpose for everything, a major plan, and we are each a thread in a tapestry, with our own purposes for being here. If my Life Journey can help even one person, then it is my "destiny" to help that person or people. I feel that's what it's all about. Not me me me, but others.
I teased my deeply religious son once, about my paganism, and how I'd wave at him from "downstairs" when we died. He looked at me and said "Mom, God isn't going to ask us what we called ourselves while on earth, he's going to look at how we treated others". I thought that was so beautiful, and so true. Wonderful post, thank you. Love Wren
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"Never argue with an idiot... They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience..."
Thanks for another wonderful post Q. I firmly believe that something good comes from every experience even though it may not seem like it at the time. I've been trying really hard to find a silver lining lately and I think I'm on to it.
Because my exabf's alcoholism came out the closet, I was able to confront my own.
Because I confided in my sister last week that I am an alcoholic, she was able to confide in me that she needs to stop too. That was a blessing because it has a pretty tight hold on her and she has never discussed it before.
What started out as a nightmare may turn into something good after all!
