“Darkness” and “light” are sometimes used to symbolize things going on inside of us. The song Starry, Starry Night (sometimes known by the title Vincent) is about the painter, Vincent Van Gogh. One of the lines says, “There is a darkness in my soul.” In the story of ET, the space visitor has a heart-light that visibly glows at times.

Figuratively speaking, it could be said that I lived with darkness inside of me for most of my life. I seldom knew what was going on internally because of totally repressed feelings and self-deluded thinking.

Following the 12-Step program leads to getting acquainted with myself. I uncover, discover, and reveal to others in meetings things that have been hidden inside of me for so long. Perhaps my heart-light is turning on for me and others to see.

In the presence of some people my internal light turns out; but in 12-Step meetings my light usually turns back on again. I now prefer to be with people whose presence helps me to keep my heart-light glowing.