Salutations, Gentle Reader,
Thank you for patiently granting me a hiatus from this blog. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with my daughter last week, and Sommerlyn Associates, LLC occupied its new office space on Fifth Avenue on Monday. We’re still getting settled in. Also, Gentle Reader, there is a lot on my mind, as there has been lately. I appreciate your being with me on this journey. I wouldn’t say that I find some potential transition frightening, but I can easily say that it is unsettling. I suppose human nature prompts many to think of certain transitions as no-win situations, but what is the truth of the matter? Does the situation itself determine that there are no winners, or is it the perception of the participants? If it is the former, then there are indeed no winners; however, if it is the latter, a change in perception is all it takes to transform defeat into victory. Even if it is the former, though, is the situation immutable? A change in situation may be all that is needed to bring about some victory.
Gentle Reader, I realize Tuesday has already passed this week; however, I sense the need to simply write some of the reflections I’ve had lately, much as is my manner in my usual Tuesday Muse Day writings. I beg your indulgence, for this specific Post of the Day may lack overall coherence. I’ll endeavor to keep it from being too disjointed.
In addition to seeing my daughter last week, I was able to see one of my very best friends and trusted confidants, Sharon. I met Sharon in January of 2001, when I bought a house down in NC. She was my backyard neighbor, and she proved to be a lifesaver for me at the demise of my first marriage. Sharon is in recovery from alcoholism, and she was the first person I ever really knew who is in AA. When I would remark to her that she literally exudes “with it-ness”, she bore a smile that reflected gratitude and melancholy and would counter that I hadn’t known her in the old days. True to her program, Sharon follows the 12 Steps faithfully, and she attends several meetings each week. I won’t say that she is remarkable because of AA, but I believe she would concur that she would most certainly NOT be remarkable–well, she declines to accept that description anyway–without AA. Since then, I’ve met other people that are in AA or other 12 Step programs; they are among the most honourable people I know.
Years ago, Sharon shared an extra copy of AA’s “Big Book” with me. I read some of it then and recently began re-reading it. At the risk, of coming across as self-important or more insightful than I am or deserve to be considered, I would summarize the key to 12-Step programs in three words: authenticity, accountability, and community. Wait, make that four words by adding SURRENDER. The paradox of this is powerful. In a manner I associate with St. Francis, it is in surrender that one achieves victory. No one moves forward in a 12-Step program without first surrendering, but it is that surrender that acknowledges the idea that “I can’t do this by myself.” That acknowledgement proves to be the gateway to a different way of living, a different way of seeing and being, a different way of succeeding.
Upon surrendering and being open to higher power, one learns that no success comes from anything that is less than completely authentic, or as the adage states, “You may fool others, but you can’t fool yourself.” Regular attendance adds the accountability factor, and community adds the support. It’s a beautifully simple yet effective system. I’m very grateful not to be an alcoholic, but if I were, I would hope I’d have the wisdom, yes, the wisdom, to be a part of an AA community.
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Anne Frank’s diary was published on this day in 1952. Its authenticity denied by Holocaust deniers, the collective writings of this young girl have been read by millions and inspired many. I recall seeing the film adaptation starring Shirley Winters and being moved to tears at the end by two quotes: Otto Frank’s statement, “For years we have lived in fear. No we may live in hope,” as the Nazis were crashing into the annex where they had hidden is powerful, but what really moved me was Anne’s statement, “In spite of everything, deep down, I still believe that mankind is good at heart.” 
It is such an inspiration to hear from a girl whose life was disrupted beyond the imagination that most of us have that she could cling to such optimism and faith. She also wrote these words:
“As long as this exists,” I thought, “and I may live to see it, this sunshine, the cloudless skies, while this lasts, I cannot be unhappy.” The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature, and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.
Gentle Reader, I garner much strength from the soaring towers of New York City. I feel upbeat by the street vendors. New York is filled with the mundane, yet it is hardly a mundane place. Yet… Yet…
I know why I like exclamation points. Why, then, are there so many question marks?
Remain calm, and speak well.
Be kind to yourself. Be kind to the planet and the future. Cause no suffering. Go Vegan!
David!
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