Universal, Part II

Most people think it's just the addicts who get lost in their own web. As a follow-up to my recent post about seeking validation, here's another excerpt from my forthcoming book that may shift your perception.Or not.It's true that addicts have a brain disease. That's why our actions are so insane when we aren't in some type of recovery. I'm not a 12-stepper myself (and carry no judgment with people who are), but I'm taking the steps to recognize my shit, and am trying my best to stay on a healthy track.You may or may not have the disease of addiction. But isn't it true we all - at some point in our lives - have tried to mask our pain with something?It used to really piss me off that I was different. That I couldn't just party like everyone else. Sometimes it still does.But the more I work on my book, the easier it is to see, we're not that different, all of us. None of us are immune to the longing of laughter, and a desire to evolve with whole and happy hearts.It just takes some of us longer to get there.

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Here's the part where you tell me: addict or not - what have you done to mask your pain? Please share in the comments below. As always, being anonymous is an option. Your words may just help someone. At the very least, it helps us all realize we are not alone.

With love and gratitude,