Being "Normal" is over-rated...
Life is Grand
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Michigan
Posts: 2,039
Being "Normal" is over-rated...
........I read and hear a lot of newcomers to recovery ask "Why can't I be normal?"
It is a very valid question, unfortunately, there is no real answer. However, I have found that for me, being in recovery has made my life......livable, for lack of a better word. (cliche' warning) In the very beginning of my sobriety, I was given a toolbox (not literally, but you know what I mean), while in treatment, at meetings, on the internet and sometimes even from a "normal" person, I have been given various "tools" on how to handle situations in life without picking up, each time I did, I added it to my toolbox. (I have had to get a bigger toolbox many times!!!) I can't imagine going through life now, without my toolbox.....something "normal" people don't even know about, much less have!!!! There have been situations in my sobriety, that I have had to sit down, and sort through my toolbox, looking for just the right tool to help me get over that hurdle......I am positive that my toolbox has kept me sober more than once.
I guess that what I am trying to say, is that we in recovery have been given a great gift....a second chance at life....only it is a better life, we are grateful for what most "normal" people take for granted. We see beauty in everyday things, and that makes everyday special. We know that we are not guaranteed tomorrow, so we are less likely to waste today. Being able to reach out a help someone reclaim their life is a feeling most "normal" people will never know. We are miracles, and every time we help another person into recovery, or stay in recovery, we are creating more miracles...how many people can say that? I could go on and on, but for me, being "normal" seems to be way overrated. Life in recovery isn't always easy, but it is ALWAYS worth it. I am so glad to be Cathy, recovering Alcoholic, grateful to be alive to see one more day, owner of the worlds best tool box...and be part of the best community around...and so NOT normal....it isn't even funny.
Next time you see a "normal" person with a scowl on their face...give them a break, they don't have the tools we have....and next time you wonder why you just can't be "normal"....be grateful, you are blessed.
Cathy
It is a very valid question, unfortunately, there is no real answer. However, I have found that for me, being in recovery has made my life......livable, for lack of a better word. (cliche' warning) In the very beginning of my sobriety, I was given a toolbox (not literally, but you know what I mean), while in treatment, at meetings, on the internet and sometimes even from a "normal" person, I have been given various "tools" on how to handle situations in life without picking up, each time I did, I added it to my toolbox. (I have had to get a bigger toolbox many times!!!) I can't imagine going through life now, without my toolbox.....something "normal" people don't even know about, much less have!!!! There have been situations in my sobriety, that I have had to sit down, and sort through my toolbox, looking for just the right tool to help me get over that hurdle......I am positive that my toolbox has kept me sober more than once.
I guess that what I am trying to say, is that we in recovery have been given a great gift....a second chance at life....only it is a better life, we are grateful for what most "normal" people take for granted. We see beauty in everyday things, and that makes everyday special. We know that we are not guaranteed tomorrow, so we are less likely to waste today. Being able to reach out a help someone reclaim their life is a feeling most "normal" people will never know. We are miracles, and every time we help another person into recovery, or stay in recovery, we are creating more miracles...how many people can say that? I could go on and on, but for me, being "normal" seems to be way overrated. Life in recovery isn't always easy, but it is ALWAYS worth it. I am so glad to be Cathy, recovering Alcoholic, grateful to be alive to see one more day, owner of the worlds best tool box...and be part of the best community around...and so NOT normal....it isn't even funny.
Next time you see a "normal" person with a scowl on their face...give them a break, they don't have the tools we have....and next time you wonder why you just can't be "normal"....be grateful, you are blessed.
Cathy
Old & Sober Member of AA
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Nursing Home in Brick, New Jersey
Posts: 5,174
One person's "normal" can be another person's "lunacy". I'm not sure I would know what "normal" was, if it bit me in the behind. I've always been a little left of center, with or without alcohol.
If, "Why can't I be normal?" means, "Why can't I drink like other people, without getting sloshed, blacking out, wrecking cars, getting arrested, losing jobs, ruining marriages, etc., etc. etc.?" The answer is simple: I am an alcoholic...I have an intolerance for alcohol...in all other ways, I am "normal".
Not drinking alcohol is not really "giving up" anything...it is gaining a whole new unclouded view of a beautiful life! Long may you enjoy being normal.
If, "Why can't I be normal?" means, "Why can't I drink like other people, without getting sloshed, blacking out, wrecking cars, getting arrested, losing jobs, ruining marriages, etc., etc. etc.?" The answer is simple: I am an alcoholic...I have an intolerance for alcohol...in all other ways, I am "normal".
Not drinking alcohol is not really "giving up" anything...it is gaining a whole new unclouded view of a beautiful life! Long may you enjoy being normal.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Bella Vista, Ar
Posts: 50
If I were normal then I wouldn't have a solution. Of course i wouldn't have a problem either, nor would I have had the life experiances I've had or the friends I have today as a result of this solution.
Scoty
Scoty
Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: MA.
Posts: 1,719
Thanks for sharing that...
We truly ARE a people that knows what suffering is,and the opposite of suffering is recovery...Most of us build strength in character...
Today, because I am sober I have been able to show compassion...It was always there, just waiting to bring light to my life, and others.
We truly ARE a people that knows what suffering is,and the opposite of suffering is recovery...Most of us build strength in character...
Today, because I am sober I have been able to show compassion...It was always there, just waiting to bring light to my life, and others.
Life is Grand
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Michigan
Posts: 2,039
Originally Posted by CarolD 
Well...
I never aimed for normal
I never aimed for normal
LOL, sometimes when I think someone is looking at me sideways, I ask them..."How do you know that I am not the normal one?!?" Some of the reactions are priceless!!!!!
Cathy...proud to be NOT normal...LOL
Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: on the moon
Posts: 944
Originally Posted by Surlyredhead
LOL, sometimes when I think someone is looking at me sideways, I ask them..."How do you know that I am not the normal one?!?" Some of the reactions are priceless!!!!!
That is kool!
Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Minneapolis, Mn. Minnesota Alligator Controll
Posts: 286
I was normal once, they put me in a room, they put me in a rubber room, they put me in a rubber room with rats, they put me in a rubber room with rubber rats. I hate rubber rats, they make me crazy.
so now I'm in recovery:morning:mock
so now I'm in recovery:morning:mock
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
