It's not that we are inherently bad, but rather that we lack the proper tools to navigate through life. My goal was to remove the shame that often comes with making a mistake or reacting poorly to a situation. This requires an inner dialogue, a collaboration between our inner selves and what the outside world sees. It is a continuous effort, requiring immense self-awareness and control over our words and actions. As an addict,  my mental and spiritual growth had been halted when I used . At 45 years old, I was still operating with the mindset of an 11 year old, relying on childlike coping mechanisms to get through life.