Laying down the Burden
When I came to my first Families Anonymous meeting. I carried a heavy burden, a tightly clutched bundle of anger, hurts and fears. I was suspicious and very much alone.
I thought I wasn't ready to give up that burden. It was all I had!! I clutched it tightly to my chest. The longer I stayed in FA, the more difficulty I had holding on to this terrible load. I shifted it from arm to arm as well welcoming hands reached out to me. It got in the way of the warm hugs I was receiving. Soon I found I had to set it briefly aside so I could hug back. Eventually I had to share it, because my FA friends wouldn't let me carrry it alone. When I finally opened my arms fully to others, the burden dropped away altogether.
TODAY I WILL watch for a newcomer burdened by an intolerable load and stretch out my arms to lighten it. Here's a hug! Pass it on!