March 3

”Life is a cup to be filled not drained.” Anonymous

Acceptance of the good things in life is not something that comes easy. After years of putting myself down, of telling myself that I was worth nothing, that nothing good was ever meant to happen to me, it’s challenging to receive happiness and prosperity into my world. Yet this is what I always wanted and what I felt I deserved. My poor self-esteem is a fundamental part of this process. I am gradually rebuilding, slowly coming to accept that my view of myself has to start within. So on those days when I like who I see in the mirror, when I am able to recognize and congratulate myself on my achievements, these are steps towards loving myself once again. I take heart in the fact that I am surrounding myself with others who care about me. It is a comfort to know that I can be loved as I am. Certainly, if others are willing to take that step, I have to be able to do likewise and be proud to be who I am, and accept gratitude and reward as something I deserve because I do deserve it. It’s time for me to focus on filling my cup.

Affirmation I am worthy of recognition, acceptance, friendship, respect and love. First and foremost from myself, and certainly as well from others.

January 19

”The world of achievement has always belonged to the optimist.” J. Harold Wilkins

Accepting rewards or recognition has been a challenge as I recovery from my addiction. Through all those years of living a double-life, I rarely felt like I deserved to be honoured in any way, always having the thought of “if only you knew who I really was” running through the back of my head, crushing any inkling of self-worth I might have. I was certainly great at beating myself up and finding reasons why I shouldn’t have a better life, job, or whatever other kinds of successes that might have been part of my life. I am thankful that my views are changing as I continue to grow in my self-acceptance. As I become comfortable with who I am, as I am, my self-esteem cannot help but improve. Yet even still, accomplishments can be a challenging area. Even simple things like accepting recognition for the progress of my recovery can disrupt my serenity. I am learning, however slowly, to accept that I am worthy of praise from time to time. Achievement is recognition of my effort, and now that I am making a more honest attempt to life a good life, I can accept the acclamation of my success. I can celebrate my progress in healthy ways that promote my recovery, and give thanks to my Higher Power and all those who supported me in reaching my goal.

Affirmation I am worthy of recognition, I do things worthy of praise, and I am a good person.