“But I soon learned that complaining about our oppressions and indignities only makes them loom larger and more disturbing.” (ODAT, 15 March)
If something bad happens, it needs to be mentioned once, in the right way, and to the appropriate person, and that’s the end of it. That’s where Step Five comes in.
Once I’m over it, it can serve as an example of getting over things.
Some rotten things happened during my childhood, but I do not haul them out as badges of identity.
The job is to grow up and toughen up, so that one is bigger than any experience one has.
I’ve dealt with such matters clinically using the Steps, and that’s the end of it.
Things can heal when they’re cleaned up and then left to heal.