This Too Shall Pass

THIS TOO SHALL PASS

“And remember that bad times are just times that are bad.”

When I was suffering from untreated Bipolar Disorder and Alcoholism, and even during rocky periods of my Recovery, it was almost impossible to conjure that thought. Much less believe it.

My experience has been that when one is in the thick of mental and emotional torture, it is all-consuming. In that situation, hope in any relief withers like a delicate flower repeatedly exposed to scorching sunlight.

Depression nearly took me to the cleaners on several occasions, including two hospitalizations for suicidal ideations. Manic episodes and my addictions have both sent me into downward spirals that ended with financial, emotional, and relationship crashes of devastating proportions.

Hopelessness was a frequent guest in my life for many years. And it is certainly one I don’t want to welcome back.

Getting connected with others, through therapy in the early stages of my recovery, and ultimately with a Higher Power and fellow sufferers through the spiritual fellowship of AA, I found a better way of living, a sense of purpose, love, acceptance, and faith. Not to mention the many tools that help me manage my Bipolar Disorder and Addictions.

In AA, one of our slogans is, “This too shall pass,” which essentially echoes the opening quote. Like many new concepts I have encountered on my overall recovery journey that started in 1993, initially I put little stock in having faith that when things are bad, they will get better.

But years of practice and facing tribulations in recovery have taught me otherwise.

Even now, I have rough days. When I do, I remind myself that “everyday won’t be a 10” and that “This too shall pass.”