“You’re a snob”. I was told that once by someone I loved and
looked up to. Well – she didn’t tell me that to my face. I overheard it and it
was devastating to me. Looking back I understand now that she didn’t know the
hell I was going through and how that comment would push me deeper into a trap
I was attempting to get out of by my apparent “snobbishness”. She didn’t know I was trying to avoid moving
into a hole in the wall where my hell would be hidden from outside eyes. I was
trying to get back to the person I knew I was supposed to be. The little voice
inside me said I was no longer listening to my heart – listening to what I knew
was right for me.
I believe we are all born with a unique personality. I
always felt I was different than those around me. I was a shy, unconfident
young person. I felt I had a certain common sense given to me. Learning came
very easy to me. I tended to isolate myself from others though. Other people
confused me. I didn’t understand how or why someone would lie. I couldn’t do it
– and still can’t. I’m a terrible liar. I can’t hide my feelings very well.
Even though we are all born with a unique personality, our
environment plays a huge part as well. We all have things in our young lives
that shape us into who we are. I was no exception to this. I was very much
affected by people and things around me as I grew. I can honestly say one thing
made a huge impact on my personality and actions throughout the rest of my
life. It crept into and ruined so many days of my young life and then tainted
my feelings of so many experiences to come. This thing was alcohol.
I saw nothing good from alcohol as I grew up. It was at the
root of pain, hurtful words, poor judgment, tears, wasted money, inappropriate
behavior, horrible memories, and much more. Yet I seemed to be surrounded by
it. I was a child and there was little I could do. I withdrew more into my own
world – isolated myself somewhat. As I grew up and my adult life began that
turned to loneliness. I craved the fun and happiness a saw around me at
college. I gave in and told myself I was being silly – a prude – allowing my
disgust for alcohol to prevent me from having friends, love and fun. I figured
I was wrong on what that voice inside me told me was right. I figured the life
I saw growing up must just be the life I deserved. So I buried that voice and
let go of inhibitions.
I allowed someone into my life that contradicted everything
that little voice said to me. Even though the red flags were going up – I
desperately needing something and I figured this was what I deserved. So into a
trap I fell quickly. Lies were told…I didn’t question at first…I was naïve. I
didn’t lie so why would others. The demon alcohol played a major role. It was
again the root of pain inflicted – mental and physical, poor judgment…the list
goes on. Only saving thing for me is that I never fell to it personally – I
rarely drank. That voice was still there muffled, but it was loud enough to tell
me I didn’t want to succumb to that demon myself. I was ruining me enough just
being around it. I was losing who I knew I should be.
That’s about the time I was called a snob. I had clawed
myself out somewhat and the little voice was getting stronger – yet I felt
trapped. I was afraid to let anyone know what I was really going through. I
could not support myself, or my child, at the time and was very ashamed of what
I had gotten myself into. I felt it was my fault – I had let it happen. The
snob comment pushed me back down. I gave in and moved into a dump of a place where
the hell became even worse.
I spent about eight more months in that hell before the last
hard blow to the side of my head brought that little voice to a scream – and I
left. From that moment on I vowed to never let that voice be silent again. I
was gong to be the person I felt I was meant to be no matter what. I was never
going to let anyone or anything, specifically alcohol, make me feel
uncomfortable or hurt again! If that
meant I would be alone so be it! I also vowed to never put my children into the
situations that I was put in as a child. They would not be surrounded by that
demon.
This was not an easy task. This meant I avoided gatherings
where I knew alcohol may be a factor in. I literally cringed when I was around
anyone who was drinking in access. I feel uncomfortable, nervous. Horrible
memories flow into my thoughts and make it a very unpleasant experience for me.
Now – I’m not talking about having a glass of wine or wine cooler with family
or friends at a gathering. But when alcohol plays a major role in the event or
gathering or people drink in excess – I don’t want to be there. Overreaction? Maybe – but that is who I am and
I am now happy with that.
I believe my choices since escaping my hell have been good
ones. I was blessed by God with the
arrival of a wonderful person into my life shortly after I turned 30. That is
when I truly became the person I knew I was supposed to be. I thank God every
day for that gift and continue to vow to remain true to myself. This sometimes
means that I appear to be a snob once again. I avoid going out with work
friends when I know that demon is going to be the main source of fun. I avoid
gatherings where I know people will be getting drunk and causing painful
memories to stir. I’ve lost out on possible friendships…I’ve probably missed
out on some really fun times…I’ve made family members upset with me for not
attending special events. They have a right to be upset – but all I can say is
that I have to be who I am. If you love me you will have to understand.
We all face our own demons in life. We all have our own
quirks and all make mistakes. During this time of Thanksgiving I am thankful
most for those loved ones and friends who have the ability to accept and love
me for who I am. Even if that is a “snob” every once in awhile.
