This reading says that exposure to alcoholism can make us lose perspective on who we are and what we can do.  We have accepted ideas about ourselves that have no basis in reality.  We may have carried a distorted self-image and not questioned our beliefs.  In alanon we may discover some untruths.  Support and encouragement can help us take a fresh look at ourselves.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I grew up with a wrecked self-image and no self-esteem.  I saw myself as a failure in life, no brain in my head, and only capable of making mistakes.  What really crashed through my belief system about myself was not only doing step 4 with my sponsor, but also a daily homework that included listing an asset about myself.  After doing step 4 a number of times, and listing a daily asset for a couple years, I had to see who I really was.  Yes I have character defects, but I also have positive character traits.  I began to like myself and on a good day I feel as though I can love myself.  This has been a wonderful and long lasting change.