So true!

“O.k., so the progression sounds so simple, but I’m finding it so messy in my own life. LOL! One step at a time, right?”

Also true! But remember, just because something is simple doesn’t mean that it’s always easy!

I think that people often confuse numbness or other altered states with relaxation.

If you are ever sober and hang out with people who are drinking or using drugs, your perception of their state might be different than theirs. They may believe that they are “comforted” or “relaxed,” but you can see that they are distracted and confused.

Sometimes those under the influence will act out various emotions that they would normally suppress, such as anger, fear, sadness, etc. But it’s disconnected from reality. So a drunk person may cry, but have no awareness about what they’re really crying about. And the alcohol is actually impairing their ability to discover and resolve those emotions.

The cool thing is that if you leave substances behind, then you can actually start to discover and interact with the real life inside of you. And that’s totally scary at first, but then it’s awesome! Because numbing yourself to emotion cuts you off from joy, too.

Cooked food may not be quite as numbing as the other substances I mentioned, but I think once someone leaves it behind, they can open up to life. And that sense of openess is the true comfort. You can really relax in your own skin…

O.k., so the progression sounds so simple, but I’m finding it so messy in my own life. LOL! One step at a time, right?

Thanks again for your inspiring words,

Marjorie