Melissa's Story

This week, Melissa stops by and we talk protests, ongoing anti-racism work, losing community, fear, love, sobriety, and a whole lot more. We speak about the original voices of truth for human rights, civil rights, and equality for all. The Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour shared and continue to share these messages of truth  despite the violence, racism, ignorance they face at every turn. We talk literature ideas to expand thinking. She mentions Toni Morrison. Some influencial authors for me are Richard Wright, Assata Shakur, Angela Davis, James Baldwin and beyond....in no particular order other than most recent reads.  We explore addiction support found inside the twelve step rooms. What lingers with me after these discussions is the deeply ingrained cult mentality and language used. Even years after leaving. I told myself I would die without the rooms...it is simply not true. In fact, I was closer to dying inside them. I was not alone in believing once we leave, we will drink, use and die. It is so common that it is a part of the overall program now, which of course serves to reinforce the toxic belief.  If you leave, you will die.  This phrase rings out in my brain to this day and who knows, maybe it always will.  Thank you for your vulnerability and openness Melissa, we are so grateful!