Listening and Loving

11.14.25

I love days like today. Work was busy, but not overwhelming, and I felt like I genuinely helped a lot of people, which makes me happy. Feeling that my contribution is appreciated and valued is such a good feeling.

It was also nail day. What girl doesn’t love getting her nails done?

After work, I went to the alumni meeting, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed. I spent time before the meeting connecting with people I don’t usually visit with, really listening to how they’re doing. I always try to listen, but focusing can be hard with everything going on there at that time of day. The topic was boundaries, and the shares were excellent. Hearing perspectives from current residents, recent alumni, and those with some sobriety under their belts is fascinating to watch a progression unfold. Setting boundaries for ourselves, realizing those are the most important, and usually the most difficult to keep, is eye-opening.

I went straight to my home group meeting afterward, and I love my people. I really love them. It was a small group tonight, and I wanted to attend both meetings since I missed a few days while I was sick. Someone shared that letting people know they’re appreciated and valued can change their whole day and ours as well. That brought my day full circle.