Stuff and Nonsense

Courage to Change - June 29th

29th June

After some time in recovery, I picked up a Blueprint for Progress, AL-Ano's guide to taking a searching and fearless moral inventory (Step Four). I was well aware of many character defects, and I was eager to be free of their hold on me. But I didn't expect so many questions about my character assets!

Again and again I was asked to recognise positive qualities about myself. It was frustrating! Why waste time on things that already worked? these assets hadn't kept my life from becoming unmanageable; obviously they weren't worth much. My Sponsor suggested that my resistance to this part of the Step might have something to teach me. He was right.

Eventually I realised that my assets are the foundation upon which my new, healthier life is being built. refusing to recognise them just holds down my self-esteem. As long as I see myself as pitiful, hopeless, and sick, I don't have to change.

I knew I was ready to feel better about myself, so I gathered up my willingness and listed all the positive attributes I could find about myself. I've felt much better about myself ever since.

Today's Reminder

Today I will acknowledge that I have many positive qualities, and I will share one or two of these with a friend.

Quote

"All progress must grow from a seed of self-appreciation ..."

The Dilemma of the Alcoholic Marriage