I had a long-timer tell me it took eight years to become 'normal'and I told her that it took me seven years to become totally aware and be able to do something about it. We all know that 'normal' is a cycle on the washing machine. For me it wasn't about being normal, but the fact that I could be among 'Earthlings' and feel comfortable and accepted.
It was a time of total acceptance and personaly knowingness. I first became aware at three years, but by the time I hit seven I felt that I had an additional spiritual awareness that I never had before. This disease is four-fold and I had to heal in all four areas. I had a mental, emotional and spiritual bottom after I hit my physical bottom. Thankfully, I didn't have to pick up when these happened thanks to the program.