A friend shared this with me:

"A rising tide may "raise all ships" --- but it won't raise the rocks."

In our desire to empower one another we are often meet with disappointment, for we can influence the empowerment of only those who are in harmony with self-empowerment.

We can't get poor enough to enrich the poor ones. We can't get sick enough to heal the sick ones --- and you can't disempower yourself enough to empower those not in harmony with being self-empowered. And, you can't influence the empowerment of another before you are self-empowered.

If you seem to be struggling fruitlessly with an active problem drinker or substance abuser, please take time to understand that nothing will change until you stop whatever you've been doing and do what you should be doing...taking care of yourself first.

With great love, affection and appreciation, Lani

Mime Across America, dedicated to all children of alcoholics
http://lanipicard.com/mime.htm