COURAGE MONTH: DAY 27: “A person who is truly cool is a work of art. And remember, original works of art cost exponentially higher than imitations. Just take a look at the coolest people in history. They will always be a part of history for being extremely original individuals, not imitations.”― Suzy Kassem
All of us are completely original. There is a time in adolescence when we learn to “fit in” and copy the other kids to be cool like they are. That is what peer pressure is all about.
Most of us started drinking and drugging at this time in life. We are certain we have to be part of the crowd by copying what others do. We wear what they wear, we smoke when they smoke, we do the same drugs, we take dares to be like them. We want them to like us and allow us to be “part of” their groups. This is a rite of passage for adolescents.
Sadly, the drinking and drugging goes on and we do not mature beyond that stage of development. We get stuck in seeking approval and acceptance from others, even though we mostly hate ourselves for our inability to do what is right for us. We do not mature enough to individuate from that group. We may not even care for these people any longer.
It takes great courage to learn to mature and individuate from our adolescent personalities. Most of us have to do this in early recovery. Growing up is more of a challenge when we have been stuck at 12 or 13 emotionally for a long time. But that is the purpose of the steps and the program. Growing up. Becoming who we truly are. Living life as the amazing works of art we came here to be. Not living like a disgruntled teenager any longer. That is what is truly cool.
Dolphin Hug 