A Recovery Quote

[Jane05]

A Recovery Quote

In the beginning of recovery we usually don't like ourselves very well. Consequently, we usually don't like others too well either. But we can grant others this: the right to be human, the right to be wrong, and the right to be right!

When people really bug me, let me let them be.

[Jane05]

Okay, I'll go first. But I really hate being first. You know, I'm afraid of what you might think of me. LOL I might have a couple of years, but thats one that my take me a life time.

Anyway, years before I got to AA I didn't not only not like myself--I hated me. Everytime I read or hear the part in the Big Book that talks about "one look in the mirror..." sends my mind back to the times I'd cuss and yell at that woman. And yes at first there were lots of people I didn't like, but sadly it was some of the first people I saw in the meetings. At the end of my drinking there wasn't anyone left in my life to dislike, other than the telemarketers, mail carrier, or the kid next door. I did have my husband and I still don't know how he survived me. (yes I do). Later, what I discovered was that the people I didn't like, were acting like me. They had my ism's. I'm so thankful to the women who were sometimes very honest with me as I went throught the Steps with my Sponsor. Today, I am, for the most part, able to let people be human and wrong without me telling them they are and to admit I wrong and thier right. Even if thier not. It just easier!! One of my favorite saying today is "How important is it anyway?"

Thanks for letting me share!

[Carol87]

Thanks Jane ... excellent topic ... you pretty much told my story ... it was a long time into recovery before I learned to love myself. It is a long story ... just suffice it to say that rejection was a huge issue for me -- I so relate to not wanting to share for fear that I would be judged or laughed at. Actually it did happen well into my recovery and still has a lasting impression. But I'm working on not letting it affect my recovery and not judge others but accept them -- easy? No, of course not. Today I try to just look at MY part only ... and accept that not everyone practices "love and tolerance is our code" ... kind of ties in with my post on Serenity Before the Storm.

[alfee]

man that is such a good thing to hear tonight... my sponsors sponsor says it all the time, but i haven't seen him in weeks... he says everyone has the God given right to be wrong anytime they wish... and they don't need my input or opinion.