When I was 5, I wanted to be like mama. Mama smoked. I used to get the buts out of the ash tray and pretend. By 7, I was taught how to properly inhale by a babysitter. By 11 I had mother approval, was given allowances, and notes of approval for purchase of the cigarettes at the store.

At 16 my mother bought an exorbitant amount of alcohol for self and friends, a party in the woods! Alcohol use approved, and supplied.

In life, people have tried to label me as addict. I would never accept that.

I experienced a pattern of excess, then I stopped. Those historical experiences don’t determine who I am today … or even then …

Some use cannabis, or hemp, and are labeled as an addict.

Some drink to excess and are seen as sophisticated … or a lush, depending on social status.

We as humans have experiences. Sometimes these experiences destroy us. Sometimes we physically perish, sometimes spiritually. If the bioform survives, the Spirit advances, expands, elevates …

While others get so angry at your rising, overcoming, gaining resilience and knowledge that could help others avoid such paths …

An experience isn’t an addiction.

Doing something repeatedly isn’t addiction.

It isn’t addiction unless there is craving.

Cigarettes have an addictive substance added to ensure this, so does alcohol, and junk food …

Addiction is allowed by governmental allowances of addictive substances added to natural products and foods. Many things are advertised as helpful and healthy. Of course “addiction” has grown into a complex money-maker for governing systems.

I never did the 12 steps.

I simply decided not to overindulge anymore.

And with flow, experiences come and go.

Mostly it is Man who judges harshly.

Spirit is happy for the wisdom, resilience, and inner fortitude manifested within.

Challenges are to be overcome.

Challenges aren’t meant to be a lifetime shadow of self-perceived weakness.

See yourself as “at risk” of falling and failing,

Or see yourself as an Achiever of whatever the mind desires.

Man’s judgements inhibit flow, and interfere with the lesson.

Especially knowing about all the interferences meant to manipulate this flow … or stagnancy.

Rise, beautiful mighty one.

Those challenges meant to drown you or bury you in suffering and shame were only fuel for your Soul Flight. Soar.

Leave the manipulations behind.

You aren’t what others tried to create in you.