Those of us living in one day at a time recovery eventually learn the meaning of I can’t. The first thing we learn is when we have to say I can’t it doesn’t mean I won’t. I can’t is a reality and it is not merely just setting a boundary. It means I don’t have or I simply cannot do. Saying I can’t is difficult when our hearts become involved. You cannot turn a pickle back into a cucumber once it has become a pickle. You just can’t. We learn even when we have empathy, concern, and love for others, the reality of I can’t is not harsh, cold, or uncaring. Some things we cannot do. I can’t is a life lesson we learn. It’s a life reality.
