I think the most important tool in my box, hands down is my sponsor. There is no woman who has filled more holes in my heart than her, if only because she has given me a safe space to feel feelings, explore old thinking and behavior, and to grow from mistakes. She has also given me permission to free myself from the old tapes of my child, specifically the  "not ______ enough:" not pretty enough, not skinny enough, not smart enough, not good enough, et cetera. By validating who I am with where I am at as a child of god in perfect process with my higher power, my sponsor has shown me that my parents were/are human beings rift with short comings and hostages to a disease that they probably would never have wanted to be associated with, given their druthers.

 I think the second most important tool is the steps. Having continued to work the steps with my sponsor gives me more and more freedom within my skin. It wasn't until I began working the steps that I finally felt safe within myself. I was perpetually searching for the external solution for the internal problem: rather than actually looking at the pain and grief I would use chemicals, driving, whatever, just to escape. I simply didn't feel safe in my skin and couldn't believe that anyone ever felt the way  I did.

 The last tool in my box is a tie between the literature and the slogans. Often times, I need the literature to explain the slogans! Because I over think, over analyze, over feel, I tend to complicate what was never complicated to begin with. But when I am in perfect/optimal spiritual contact with my Divine Sprit, the slogans just click, no thinking or explanation required. The other times...well, it helps to know somone else thinks just like me! :)

(((Christy)))) good for you!  Your post made me laugh, too!  Keep it up, lady!

Love in Recovery,

Becky1