Taking Care of Ourselves

We cannot simultaneously set a boundary and take care of another person's feelings. It's impossible; the two acts contradict.

What a tremendous asset to have compassion for others! How difficult that same quality can make it to set boundaries!

It's good to care about other people and their feelings; it's essential to care about ourselves too. Sometimes, to take good care of ourselves, we need to make a choice.

Some of us live with a deeply ingrained message from our family, or from church, about never hurting other people's feelings. We can replace that message with a new one; one that says it's not okay to hurt ourselves. Sometimes, when we take care of ourselves, others will react with hurt feelings.

That's okay. We will learn, grow, and benefit by the experience; they will too. The most powerful and positive impact we can have on other people is accomplished by taking responsibility for ourselves, and allows others to be responsible for themselves.

Caring works. Caretaking doesnt. We can learn to walk the line between the two.

Today, I will set the limits I need to set. I will let go of my need to take care of other peoples feelings and instead take care of my own. I will give myself permission to take care of myself, knowing its the best thing I can do for others and myself.

From The Language of Letting Go

" The biggest insult...is to drink again..."

The solution is my continuous particapation in the program, by going to meetings,talking with my sponsor, the 12x12, giving the program away

Speaking of giving the program away....another newcommer asked me to be a sponsor. I took her invitation anyway, not thinking of me, but thinking of her. Taking care of my sobriety, first and foremost is the keys to emotional sobriety

" I put in alot of time in my drinking....so do the same for my sobriety.

Update:

My new sponsee is an ADDICT....don't know if  she will say...ima an alkie as well...not my place to judge. HP is the only reason, I take suggestions, service, doing 12x12,etc. This program would be in dire straights left to my owm devices. Also, I have been hit with personal stuff, the job thing being really slow...leaving me in the HERE & NOW. My HP is giving me another growth opportunity.