There is struggle in the growth process; pride, ego and misused will stand in the way and must be overcome gradually, with understanding and compassion. Pain is always the teacher, but with each period of growth it becomes less acute. Growth is the opposite of control. ~ Anonymous, Overeaters. For Today (Kindle Location 1956). Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. Kindle Edition.

Pain is always the teacher,
but with each period of growth
it becomes less acute.
Growing up is not easy,
no matter when it happens!
We think of growing up
as being completed in large part
in the first eighteen years.
As we move on from then
we feel the need to be in control…
but not just a need, an expectation!
Pain especially in adult years
remains the teacher, but it hurts!
I believed if I didn’t grow  up
by my fortieth birthday, I wouldn’t!
So I took control, made bold steps
but continued to live in fear
of being a fake grownup!
I clung to control, tried to acquire more
but fifteen years later
secretly sought counseling
to explain what was wrong with me.
It was she who taught me
pain is always the teacher,
but with each period of growth
it becomes less acute.
And in Recovery I learned finally
surrender, admitting powerlessness
is the opposite of control!
And surrender is how I choose to live!