Day 108 – Reflections from the Tin Man

Day 108

@Mindfulheal shared two posts yesterday that struck a chord deep within me.

The first was of the Tin Man holding a heart, with the words:

“I’ll ask for a brain instead of a heart,” said the Scarecrow, “because a fool wouldn’t know what to do with a heart, even if he had one.”

“I’ll take the heart,” replied the Tin Man, “because intelligence doesn’t make a person happy, and happiness is the most beautiful thing in the world.”

That image stayed with me. Growing up, I often felt like the Tin Man—bullied, outcast, overweight—struggling with self-esteem, yet my heart remained full. I chose love: for people, animals, and the world around me. But the need for acceptance consumed me. It led me down paths I wasn’t ready for, including years of drinking that numbed the parts of me I didn’t want to face.

Then, I met Hope. Her love challenged me to heal, to grow, to change. She asked me to love myself, a task that feels more difficult than anything I’ve ever faced. But my heart keeps pushing me forward—through sobriety, self-discovery, and this journey to become the man I know I can be.

The second post was about spiritual intelligence:

“People who have high spiritual intelligence don’t just read words. They read moods, energy, vibes, and body language. Their senses are supreme. They might not say much, but they notice everything.”

That’s me. I’ve always been able to feel energy, read emotions, and sense things others might miss. It’s a gift and a burden, especially when I feel the coldness of the world or doubt my own instincts. But posts like these remind me I’m not alone.

Thank you, @Mindfulheal, for the reflection and reminder. This journey isn’t just about healing the wounds of my past—it’s about embracing the depths of who I am and learning to trust myself again. 🌿

One Step. One Punch. One Round. 🌹

—Your Fellow Traveler in Recovery