July 28

”The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” John Powell

Recovery is for me, it is about me, and in the end it affects only me. I keep being reminded of this whenever I get the expectation that working my program should improve other aspects of my life. Just as the Serenity Prayer tells me to only be concerned about the things I can change, I need to recall that those same areas are where I should anticipate change as well. Relationships, work, family – the only parts I can make better is my own role within each. I cannot change my spouse, my boss, parents, kids or siblings. While I can hope that my improvements will work towards making things better, there are no guarantees. Unfortunately recovery is a selfish process…its only target is the individual in recovery. It is slowly sinking in that my work in my program is geared towards rebuilding my relationship with my Higher Power. It is about me becoming a more genuine, authentic, loving, compassionate, caring and selfless individual. In surrendering to the God of my understanding, in turning over all those things beyond my control, I am gaining the freedom to become the person I was meant to be.

Affirmation I need to keep recovery focused on me first, worrying about how others affect me will set me up for disappointment and can trigger relapse.