‘Insanity’ versus ‘in sanity’—making space for serenity

I had an enlightening moment when I was taking my morning bath. I was thinking about Steps One and Two, the insanity of my life before the Al-Anon program, and my choice to want to live my life in sanity. Then these two terms popped up clearly in my mind: “insanity” versus “in sanity.”

What’s the difference in these words? They have the same number of letters–but the difference in emphasis changes the whole meaning…

And then I got it—there’s a space between them! For me that space—in relation to living with the effects of alcoholism—signifies the Al-Anon program and my recovery. It means:

• Taking a step back to give myself space to breathe before deciding what action to take
• Holding myself back from saying potentially damaging words to my husband when I feel resentful, angry, or hurt about his actions when he’s drinking
• Detaching with love when my husband is actively drinking
• Giving myself and my husband the space we both need to work our programs, without interfering

I now know that my recovery is all about that small space—that breath or that pause—that allows me to detach. “Insanity” or “in sanity”? I know which way I will be living my life!

By Jan, United Kingdom
The Forum, January 2008

© Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 2008. All Rights Reserved.