Today's reading helps us understand the gifts and path of self-acceptance and self-love.  We are asked to consider, just for this one day, that we are spiritual beings on a spiritual journey and there is absolutely no value is beating ourselves up for our limitations, past or other!

When we become impatient with ourselves, we often need to look at our expectations to understand the cause.  We need to focus and celebrate our efforts instead of where we need more time/energy.  Recovery is not an overnight process, and we are not in charge - there is a power greater than us who is truly driving the bus.

Today's reminder ---  Al-Anon is a gentle, healing program.  I will remember to be gentle with myself today, trusting that the healing will come.

Today's quote --- from ....  In All Our Affairs ---  "Today I can accept myself for what I am because I know that whatever happens, I have a Higher Power and a group of people who will love me anyway."

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For me, the disease brought out the worst of me.  When I arrived, I was tense, anxious, hardly ever smiled and certainly was not present.  I was worried about the past or the future and rarely took time to examine me, my motives or my expectations.  I was a bit confused when I saw others around me who genuinely had peace of mind and real smiles.  I was even more perplexed when they suggested they found peace and healing by focusing on self instead of their qualifier...

It was a process for me to change my habits and thinking patterns and to focus on me...a long process, requiring effort, reminders, tools, slogans, steps and more!  I had never before considered myself of equal or greater value than those I love and patterns do not change overnight.

When I keep myself present in this day, the here and now, life seems to be easier to enjoy.  I no longer feel as if I am surviving - most days, I feel as if I am thriving!  So, so grateful for recovery and all of you - make it a great day!!