I’ve been in recovery programs for 35 years, about half my life. Had I not made that choice, I’d probably not be typing these words today. Read between the lines: yes, I’m grateful.
One fear I had about getting into this recovery stuff was that I’d lose my sense of humor. If I gave up booze, weed, overeating, falling in love every five minutes, trying to make you laugh 24/7, wishing I was a Beatle, yearning, yearning, yearning to be somewhere else, anywhere else, at any other time than now — what would I become? Who would I be? Boring? A stiff? Milquetoast? Wink Martindale?
So it was big gamble. But the pain I was in was worse than the spectre of the Unknown. I’d give it a shot. And you know what? It’s been great. I’m still funny, still “wild.” Even better, I pick my shots. I’m not funnying all over the place compulsively, desperately, trying to get your attention, your favor, your love. I can actually hold back at times. I can actually act “appropriately” when the situation calls for it. (Friends who’ve known me for years will laugh hearing me say that last line, knowing how much I’ve bristled over the years at the prospect of anyone suggesting I “reel it in” and start acting appropriately. You guys know how much I hate that word.)
Additional words I had no understanding of, even recognition of: humility, moderation, obedience, faith and likely more. But today? I’ve become a goody-goody. And it’s good!
In fact, I’ve often wished there was a way my non-recovery friends could reap the same benefits of living the Recovery Life I’ve gotten. I’ve been so fortunate to receive a bounty of wisdom and practical ways of doing things, directly from the literature I’ve read in “Program,” from my fellow recovering people, meetings, slogans, stories and Steps. Surely there’s a way I could help you “normies” reap the benefits too?
Maybe I could start a 12 Step program for everybody and anybody. I could call it Humans Anonymous (HA). See? It’ll have humor in it too!
This video was my first attempt at bringing HA to life, and to tell how it came to be (in a way.) The future? How about Zoom meetings of Humans Anonymous? I’d do it. We could at least give it a try. Who knows? It might even help you. I know you’re hurting from something. Who isn’t?
Lastly, I’m always open to hearing new tag lines for Humans Anonymous. What’s yours? So far, here’s what I’ve come up with:
Humans Anonymous. You gotta laugh.
Humans Anonymous. Since 300,000 B.C.
Humans Anonymous. You’re already a member.
Humans Anonymous. When 2 or more are gathered, there’s funny.
What Are U Addicted to?