Looking Within: A HUMAN Challenge...Not Just An ADDICT Challenge

Despite the fact that many consider it harsh, I frequently identify myself as an addict. I am an addict because I want more and more of anything and everything that makes me feel good or takes me out of myself. For many of us, the notion of looking inward is absolutely terrifying. What will I see? What pain will I have to feel? What if I don't like what I see? Will I have to change things that are comfortable in order to grow? This is not just terrifying to people who have been battling an unhealthy dependency to alcohol or drugs. It is a basic human fear. In the beautiful video clip below, actress and model Amber Valletta comes out for the first time as an alcoholic and addict. While the entire video is heartfelt and enlightening, it's what she says in the last few minutes that remind me why recovery is so vital to our spirit; recovery from the basic struggle of being human and having past fears and painful memories. "Diving into dark places in myself that scare me or I feel ugly about is where the real growth comes from, from pausing, from being able to look within." This is a daily challenge, it has not become easy simply because I've started to do it. But it is where my real growth comes from – and I want to keep growing...