I’m a big fan of Mary Oliver’s poetry. This month’s work has reminded me of these lines:

Someone I loved gave me a box full of darkness.
It took me years to understand, that this, too, was a gift.

I decided a while ago, and this month is helping me hone in on the reason I made the decision, I don’t want pain from the past (abuse/addiction/etc) to rule my decisions in the future. I love how you say, “only victims need a villain.”

The “stuff” in the past has created deep reservoirs in me that have been filled with strength and sensitivity.