Experience

There are those that seem to bemoan the fact they have never been an alcoholic or a murderer or a crack head.  It is as though they feel the lesser for it. They see their lives as a picture of consistency, and because they were never really “bad” they feel they cannot relate to others.
To me, this is so a lie.  I am yet to hear an alcoholic, murderer or crack head say “this is the best man, everyone needs to do this.”  In most cases, people would go back and make different choices if they could, but they can’t.  Obviously, it is not all bad, but despite the good times, it seems it is always a downwards spiral.
Having said that, I am yet to meet in the flesh, the perfect person.  If they are out there, then I would like to be introduced.  The evidence I have over too many years to talk about, is that they are not there.  Sure some think they are uniquely different in a superior way, but to me they are deluded.  We are all giving it our best shot.
The good news for me is, nothing is wasted.  Sure there are things I regret, and wish I had never pursued, but I did.  It is important I move on.  It really is a case for me, of once bitten twice shy.  In some cases, it is many times bitten, before I act differently.  Ok, I am thick.  I am also self-obsessed.  It is true though, that in instances like this, I would prefer to move on, rather than build up an immunity to bites.
I am also wrapped, that what I go through can be related to by others.  It is probably one of the reasons why I see support groups as so important.  There are times I need help.  Something done or said, at the right time, can literally change a person’s life.  At the very least, a positive influence is always better than a negative one.
I love the concept of the Invictus Games, and also the Special Olympics, but I also like the Olympics, World Cup, and many other things.  Inclusiveness is a big deal these days, and rightly so to me, as there is much catching up to do.  Yet one does not need to be handicapped in some way, to have a need.  Society runs on the presumption that all is well.  Yet I would hazard a guess, that for many, all is not well.  It may look it, and I may rightly put on a brave face, yet so often folk open up when given the chance, and I discover all is not as it appears.
The upshot for me is, what I go through is important.  What you go through is important.  It does not matter if I have been the worst of the worst, or the best of the best, there are those who have been, and are, and are coming, who can relate to my experience.  If I am fortunate, they may learn something from me, as I have learned things from others.
I definitely will not lose any sleep over it, but I am there for others, as they are there for me.