One of the things that I didn't understand when I first got into recovery was that my pain would ultimately lead me to more joy. When I authentically embrace my pain and hurts and release them in safe, supportive environments, I create the space to receive more joy, fulfillment and connection. When I avoid or shut down my emotional self to avoid pain I also shut down my emotional self and lose the ability to embrace joy, inspiration and the miracles of being fully present and alive.

In "Relationships From Addiction to Authenticity" many brave women tell their stories of betrayal, shock and addiction and how these experiences were transformed into authentic connection to self, Spirit and others. This transformation comes through our emotional honesty and acknowledgement of our hurt and pain. It is not a journey for the weak of heart but one for the strong of spirit; committed to creating a life full of possibility and dreams fulfilled. Courage is required to bear our souls, open our hearts and allow the vulnerability of our pain to be held in the loving care of others. This is our path to trust as well. We learn to trust ourselves, a Higher Power and we choose trustworthy people. 

In Chapter 5 Trusting and Embracing Feelings in the book,  "Relationships From Addiction to Authenticity", there are stories shared and discussions about how to feel our emotions and stop mood-altering behaviors to avoid feeling.Once we develop this emotional intelligence and make new choices, our senses are opened and our intuition increased. We are able to let our feelings inform us and our intuition guide us but not run us. We have choice and conscious awareness.

Joy is the outcome of honesty, full self-expression and the release of denial. One must experience both pain and joy in order to live a full and deeply rich life. 

Many blessings on your journey, 

Sally

Doing the deep feeling work that John Bradshaw refers to below is the foundation for creating a life one dreams about and desires. It is the necessary precursor to a life free of the addictive dynamics and repetitive behaviors born out of trauma and learned defenses in our history. 

In our fast paced, wounded patriarchal system, we want to 'get it done and get it done fast', however, the journey of emotional and spiritual maturation has its own pace. We are on a journey, not driving to a destination, and surrendering to the journey, the flow of Divine guidance in this process is essential to receiving all of the gifts therein. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUVBdfFFe1k

Let's honor ourselves, one another and the process by creating kind circles of support, nourishing spiritual practices that heal and by doing our own deep feeling work as part of our commitment in life. As we heal, learn to fully love and accept ourselves and our histories, we are ready to serve and contribute to others.