Being Heard

I was trying to tell my husband a story this morning.  Something about something I read on a blog...hell I don't even remember.  What I do remember is that smack dab in the middle of my story he walked away and began speaking to my son!  As Stephanie on Full House used to say...how rude.

Of course, we were all trying to get out the door and my teenagers can't remember their books much less all of the other crap they have to haul to school everyday, so he was following behind one of them making sure he had EVERYTHING he needed.  Let me tell you that is no small task.  So for all intents and purposes, he is forgiven.

This minor infraction brought to mind a conversation I had yesterday on a consulting visit with a client.  The company is trying to put together some high performing teams and at one point I said, "The most important thing to remember is that everyone wants to be heard." 

Now I'm connecting those two and realizing that, as a recovering alcoholic, this whole journaling, blogging, telling your story in meetings and praying is about being heard.  And what's even more important is who is doing the listening.  It can't be just anyone (believe me I've chattered away at my husband for 30 years and he's a REALLY good listener), it has to be someone who has been where you've been.  Someone who has shared your experiences.  Someone who has cried your tears.  Someone who has felt your joy.  It has to be either another alcoholic or your HP.

Wow...wait...let me take a minute here to let that sink into my pickled brain.  You mean to tell me that this whole AA thing that's been working for millions of people for way longer than I've been on the planet actually works?!  That the tools I've been given may actually help me?  That maybe...just maybe...I don't have to have all the answers for once in my life.  That, again for once in my life, I can be taken care of and nurtured.  That I can, most of all, be heard.

I always say that I have a very thick head and that God has to hit me upside it with a brick to get me to listen...

Dear God,

I received your brick.  Thank you for sending.

Love,
A Grateful Alcoholic