Today I continue my AA story of childhood talking about how the abuses began to shut me down emotionally and close me off so I could shelter myself from being hurt. I was still very young so it wasn't though drugs and alcohol yet that I masked my feelings instead it was through "store bought happiness." I would spend money to feel happy and buy friends so I wouldn't feel alone.

I also touch briefly on the idea that others are mirrors for ourselves and plan to talk more about this and what the Buddha has taught me about it.