Imagination should be used, not to escape reality, but to create it.

Colin Wilson

I used to spend my time using my imagination to escape from my life. There was so much judgment and anger and criticism that I was scared all the time. I used to read for hours. It was difficult for me to pull away from my books because I didn't want to live my life. I wanted to just watch others exist. I just withdrew from reality and ceased to participate. And I would spend my time fantasizing and daydreaming about being someone else in a different life. But what I didn't realize is that every character in every story I've ever seen or read has had their own problems. The difference between them and me is that they participated in their lives and overcame their difficulties. I didn't know how to back then, though.

Today, my Higher Power led me to my program which gives me 12 Steps, an incredible Sponsor, and a Fellowship to guide me to the place that I want to be. I am able to make choices now, to participate or to escape. But with all the tools given to me, I instead make the choices to reach out and change my attitudes and actions so that I can live instead of simply surviving.

A meditation for July 14, 2013.

Turning Tables – Adele