A beautiful recovering soul 8/19

Posted bygracefuladdictPosted inUncategorized

There is a recovery meeting that I often attend on zoom. It is 24/7 and I can hop on at anytime with a coffee and listen or share if I need.

There is a man that I keep seeing on this meeting and his name is Kaleem. He may or may not have autism…but his mannerisms might put him in that category.

The label is not as important as is the brightness that he brings to the meeting every time I see him.

When it is his turn to share he will say hello personally to everyone that he can see on his screen. Usually this meeting has over 150 people…and our screens have about 25 people on them at one time.

He will say “Hello Danielle, hi Jessica, hi Tommy, hello to you Wendy….” and so on.

We are only given 5 minutes to speak and share and he uses 2 of his minutes to say hello to us.

The magic it brings to the meeting…is indescribable. He connects and lifts peoples spirits just by saying hello.

His share ended last night with these funny but true words : “I don’t do no dope no more, ya know. I eat Oreo cookies and I dip in the milk…and I stay happy ya know.”

Kaleem is his own person, sharing his happiness with the others. It is beautiful.

Published by gracefuladdict

I am a true addict living my life one day at a time in recovery. I have been substance free -meaning NO drugs or alcohol since 5/23/10. My intention is to share my experiences daily in the hopes to free others from the fears of being who they truly are. My wish is to bravely tell my truth so others can tell theirs as well. I want to be free of self hatred and doubt. I want to live a life of joy, kindness, love and grace. Thank you!

21 thoughts on “A beautiful recovering soul 8/19”

  2. They are something else…a smile in their eyes, their heart in their voice and a light that we can feel. A gift to let us know that there really is something inside us all. Great post dear lady 😀❤️🙏🏽

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  8. I have ‘stories’ about the autistic/ADD/ADHD labels bestowed – yes, it can be a challenge – but on the other hand….My MIND STILL, to this day, though I don’t share often, other than with those who see the pure beauty of those who exhibit signs or get labeled by systems in which they participate, well….to me?

    I still wonder, overall, if what is so often labeled as a challenges, might not, in fact, be the next evolution in focus, kindness, attentiveness, appreciation for the lil building blocks of life that just add up to a soul being that ‘truly gets’ what’s important, moment to moment, but is often bombarded and overwhelmed by all the ugly/non-stop/too loud world in which they must try to ‘fit in’ with those who skim along the surface?

    I don’t claim to know – all I know is through various life experiences and interactions, with both those who are ‘officially diagnosed’ or ‘labeled’ as well as my friends circle that spent their career or are working their career to be teachers and support mentors to those on the spectrum, or the family member of one who appears on the ‘spectrum’ as it is now officially classfied as such?? (Last I checked!)

    Um, my wondering aloud doesn’t offend those folks – and not one of them have ever corrected me as I ‘mused aloud’ and said I was an idiot, non-understanding of what was truly at stake – Thus, to me?

    If those on the front line, living with/impacted with daily routines that just don’t meet what society deems ‘normal’, think I haven’t completely missed the boat? Good Enough –

    But still – I wonder – just when will our societal/cultural standards change to have a broad spectrum of what is ‘sanctified as normal’ other than giving lip service to such ideas??

    Until then? Best anyone individual can ever do, is see the beauty of it all – even if society says, ‘um…this isn’t normal’ – Or loudly proclaims! “You bet your sweet bippy it aint and what a refreshing shot of beauty to witness in this ole world!!!”

    Go Kaleem and Grace – the human race is counting on ya all! 😀

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    1. Your words could not have come at a more perfect time.
      My son has been labeled with “autism” he is 19 years old and has fought this labeling his whole life. He refuses to accept and bow to society that labels him “disabled”. He is not disabled, he is more able and more gifted with a sensitivity to life that most just don’t even have a minute to try and understand.
      He is gifted and I tell him so.
      I had an Uber driver once from Nigeria tell me that people like my son would typically be by the side of royalty in the olden days.
      Kings and Queens knew they had special abilities to read people – to feel beyond what they were presenting to the naked eye.
      I believe this. My son Tyler is my teacher- and due to the lack of understanding of society….he sometimes is treated as unintelligent. He hates that!!
      But he is stronger for it ❤️❤️❤️🌈

      Liked by 2 people

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      1. Anyone, for any reason, labeled as ‘different’ becomes stronger as long as they hold on and survive – and well – those who cast stones – usually do so from their own lil glass houses – thus – old cliches/myths/sayings on some fronts? Continue to be true – on so many fronts – but yes – sometimes? The world is not very kind to those who just go be themselves – ever, always – 😀
        Humans as a culture/overall species don’t always learn very fast or very well – – 😀

        Liked by 1 person

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