Possible Occupations, Best And Worst Alcohol/Drug Experiences, And Would You Taste A Food Never Eaten Before?

The Book of Questions Prompts, by Gregory Stock, Ph.D. — If you knew you could devote yourself to any single occupation — music, writing, acting, business, politics, medicine, etc. — and be among the best and most successful in the world at it, what would you choose? If you knew you had only a ten percent chance of being so successful, would you still put in the effort?

I have no regrets about what I have done in my life. Listening to others' music. Finding a bit of my own by singing some songs, playing instruments as a child, and having the experience of going to symphonies and operas. Loving all music, with a few select favorite genres.

I now write every day. My goal is to continue to improve and I am hoping these prompts are helping with that goal. I have a book in the works that I will give my best when writing.

I thought I would “Do theatre” when I retired. I have been to some theatre but have not gotten involved in more than that. College was my last time in theatre. The cast was all Native American and the Director told us that we were the best group he had ever worked with.

Business and politics — I’ve had more than my fair share of that. It is tough to shut that off in this world we are living in today.

I have plenty of experience with medicine too as a person in my 70s with health issues. Then my work in the field of mental health and substance abuse has given me more information than many on medicine and medication.

The Book of Questions Prompts, by Gregory Stock, Ph.D. — What was your best experience with drugs or alcohol? Your worst experience?

As a recovering alcoholic/drug addict, I had many experiences both best and worst experiences. Probably many more in the worst category.

Alcohol and drugs helped me to forget or allowed me to fight the racism I was experiencing daily when growing up in the most racist town I have ever lived in. When that wasn’t necessary, I could relax and enjoy in my normal drug/alcohol-induced state.

What began my stopping was when my baby boy quit breathing one month after he was born.

Having not had alcohol or used any drugs during my pregnancy, one month after delivery, I asked myself what is smoking a joint now going to hurt? I was taking into consideration that I was nursing my baby.

How it hurt was he stopped breathing and we were stoned and passing him back and forth, not knowing what to do. As we moved outside our apartment, the neighbor heard us and said to run him to the hospital. The hospital was not even a block away from us.

That baby is 46 years old now, and responsible for my getting into recovery at age 24. I guess the bad times didn’t outweigh the good times at that point, although for two years I still thought it was his dad’s fault that happened. And that he was the one with the problem.

It took me two more years to stop drinking alcohol, even though I stopped smoking marijuana that day our baby quit breathing.

The Book of Questions Prompts, by Gregory Stock, Ph.D. — If you went to a dinner party and were offered a dish you had never tried, would you want to taste it even if it sounded strange and not very appealing?

Yes, I would try it, unless it had coconut, mint, gluten, or beef! I don’t like to feel sick or have other side effects from eating certain foods, especially after eating something delicious. Allergies and sensitivities are no fun.

Then according to my culture, it is considered rude to not try what you are offered for food. There are ways to get around this, but it depends on where and when the offer is made and other circumstances.

~~~~

First published by Mercury Press on medium.com