Coming Out

I have never met an Alcoholic who was not facing an inordinate amount of shame. The things we have said and done while drinking consume us and seep into our very being as shame. While we are able to let go of guilt as it pertains to specific aspects of our life, shame has stained every part of us and can keep us trapped in old patterns. The truth is we can often feel comfortable in it because we understand it. Sadly, if we do not begin to leave it behind we cannot hope to live a useful and purposeful life. However, we can learn from our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters in this area: coming out of the closet literally means coming out of shame.

The result of coming out of the dark place we have been hiding in, as Alcoholics, gives us an opportunity to live rich and authentic lives. It is like dipping your toe in the water; you dabble at the edge until you can fully submerge yourself in it. For many people, shame is exposed in the 4th Step and then is peeled away as you practice the 6th and 7th Steps. I have found that coming out of this shame has truly allowed me a chance to live "in the sunlight of the spirit."

Personal Journals | Published August 13, 2012