A Salute to Your Greatness

You are an incredible human being.

You were born into this world naked and screaming; in recovery, you once again were exposed to the harshness of bright lights, vulnerable and shivering in your frightening new environment.

As you grew, you never stopped learning, searching, discovering, erring, succeeding.

You scraped along the rocky river bottom as life's current swept you along; your outer skin became chewed up and scarred as your inner constitution was put to the test over, and over, and over again. With every contusion and laceration came newfound healing methods. Some wounds infected, others festered, but all were overcome so that you could survive to this day.

You recognized your flaws, defects of character, and obsessions, even when you were lost inside them and the outside world seemed so far away, like a dream almost forgotten. You struggled to stay afloat, flailing in the putrid swamps, predatory waters, and lava flows...yet here you are, reading these words. You survived.

You climbed atop the wreckage of your past to visualize gorgeous visions on the event horizon, all the while aware of the shaky footing below you. When you reconstructed your home from spare junkyard parts you never allowed your egoic accomplishments replace the life-sustaining gratitude and humility which got you to this moment. And you NEVER forgot that you didn't do it alone.

As you take a rest from your work, you ponder where you've been and fantasize about where you might go, all the while recognizing only the moment in which you sit, cross legged in your new place, is real.

You stood on the circular stage of life; on one side below were the zombies of hate and despair grabbing at your ankles, ready to pull you in and consume you, make you one of them; you backed away and moved to the other side, leaping with faith into the glorious recovery mosh pit which held you up, took you in, healed you, and allowed you to serve as one of them for the next jumper.

Now- recovering, moving, and always growing, you suit up to face the challenges of the only day that matters because it is the only day that exists....today.

I raise my sparkling water to you in awe, because you are my hero and savior.

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