November 30 (64)

”Laughter is the closest distance between two people.” Victor Borge

Realistically my addiction is no laughing matter. It is a damaging aspect of my life that has ruined many relationships and threatened a multitude of others. Yet at the same time I need to be able not to take everything from my past too seriously. I took many dumb risks, found myself in many crazy situations that in retrospect were ridiculous. Laughing about some of my escapades is healthy. It helps diminish the power of fantasy and promise that my addiction offered. It also is humbling and a reminder of my fallibility as a human being. There is often laughter in my meetings and it’s a testament to the bond that forms in our groups. It’s also a reflection of the understanding and compassion that exists for as I believe only and addict truly understands an addict. The ability for me and others to make jokes about our own past behaviours is part of the healing process. One experience as addicts draw us closer to others who suffer in kind. The recognition that I, too, have been there, stretches out my hand for someone else to grab onto, a life line to help pull them onto the path of recovery. Laughter is one of the ropes I can throw to show others that the program does work.

Affirmation My ability to change my perspective of the past, to be able to laugh at myself and my foibles, is a sign of growth and change.