I've been trying to build my library back up recently - I had to sell a lot of books over the years, sometimes for money when I was drinking, and then in recent years for space considerations.
so...I've started with a few of my favorites, and one arrived today - Ray Bradbury's
The Illustrated Man.
It's a cracking collection of short stories, bound by the idea that each story is a tattoo or illustration on the body of the title character.
I have no tattoos myself, but it got me to thinking about my journey, and how many scrapes and scars and wrinkles I've acquired over the course of my life - some visible some not.
I decided long ago, when I first came to recovery, I wasn't going to be ashamed of these markers any more - I wanted to celebrate them.
Each of them stands for something - good bad or indifferent - which has led me to this point, and who I am now.
Rather than defects or scars I feel maybe it's better to think of them as gifts?
I've spoken before about the Japanese practice of kintsukuroi - repairing broken pottery with gold and other precious metals - repairing things are 'broken' in such a way they actually gain value and a new unique identity.
https://www.soberrecovery.com/forums...ntsukuroi.html (kintsukuroi)
a wonderful analogy for recovery I think?
Have a wonderful weekend everyone - and remember this thread is here, all weekend, open to everyone for help and support
D