I never opened my ears. I was always taking care of so many people and issues that I never had time to be truly present. I felt like a ball in a pinball game. As I started my recovery, and with each step I started to focus on me. I was able to detach from people and events that were not good for me. The more I spent time finding myself and learning who I was and what I enjoyed doing I was able to see the value in my true friends and family. I spend more time with my ears open and focusing on what is deeply important to those that I care about. My ears are open to what I love and what I need in my life. Recovery is not easy and sometimes my shoes come untied but knowing each day I can learn something new about people I love including myself makes me realize how important it is to tie my shoes as tightly as I can. 

Tina 5/5/16