Learn the Power of Respect

[MajestyJo]

One thing I have learned on my recovery journey, is that it has to begin with me. If I want respect, I have to respect myself. It is important also to respect myself for who I am. I am not my disease.

The selfish, self-centeredness of my disease tells me it is all about me. Yet this program say, I have to give it away in order to keep it. I had to change the old ways of thinking and attitude to in order to give to someone else, I had to find it within myself in order to give it away.

Respect things as they are not as I would have them be. There is positive and negative in all situations. Focusing on one and ignoring the other, doesn't allow for the healing process to begin.

Respect yourself. Know that you are worthy of recovery.



I have to respect others for where they are in their recovery. This isn't a race ro run. It is not something that has to be done in order, although it is best to work the Steps in order, there is no order to our defects and the process of putting our life back in order.

I got really angry when I found out that two sisters from my group read Codependent No More and didn't tell me about it. I didn't find the book until I was 5 years sober. I came to realize that I was probably not ready then and if it was meant to be, it would have happened. When I finally did find it, I ran to the nearest Al-Anon meeting. I hadn't been for a while.

I also have to respect the word of those who went before me. I may not always agree with it. I sure am grateful for it though.

Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.