The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
In today's reading, the author reflects on the importance of being nicer to ourselves. The author has learned to ignore the voices in their head that tell them that they are not good enough. These voices are a symptom of damaged self-esteem that results from living with the effects of alcoholism. Thanks to Al-Anon, the author realizes that they do not need to listen to those voices.
Al-Anon offers gentler, more loving thoughts. Thoughts that remind the author that they are lovable and can learn to love themselves.
Today's Reminder: Treating myself with kindness and respect helps me to challenge my own self-criticism. Today I will pay particular attention to any voice that speaks lovingly.
Today's Quote: "We need to learn to live, to focus on something good or useful to our lives and let the rest of the world go about its business." How Can I Help My Children?
------------------
One thing that I recognize in myself is a damages self-esteem. Living with the effects of alcoholism for so long had me doubting that I could ever do anything right, even when I had evidence to the contrary. I had myself believing that mechanical repairs were too much for e, that I couldn't handle them, even when I had successfully done the EXACT SAME REPAIR prior to living with an active alcoholic. One day I realized, if I doubt my ability to do something I KNOW I have successfully done in the past, how else am I harming myself by doubting myself in other areas?
In Al-Anon, I learned to question those voices that tell me I cannot do things or I am not good enough. Someday, I hope that I will stop listening to them altogether.
__________________
Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Thanks Skorpi for your service, for all above ESH, and the lovely gardening picture. A topic close to my heart, and quite a long journey, has been learning to love myself. An abusive older brother crushed any self-esteem I ever had in childhood, followed by two marriages to alcoholics. That was crazy-making for sure. My first beloved sponsor really taught me to treat myself with kindness, and see my assets. During my time in this program I have gone from self-hate to self-love. It's been a lot of practice, sometimes I slip, but Progress not Perfection. :)
