March 9

”A rattlesnake, if cornered, will sometimes become so angry it will bite itself. That is exactly what the harboring of hate and resentment against others is, a biting of oneself. We think we are harming others in holding these spites and hates, but the deeper harm is to ourselves.” Eli E. Stanley

In our journey of recovery we need to learn how to set new boundaries, out of respect for ourselves and for others. We need to learn what lines we cannot afford to cross as they lead to middle and inner circle behaviours, or are simply inappropriate and unhealthy. It’s an important task to determine the actions and activities that fall within our three circles. This is part of establishing new boundaries within ourselves in terms of our addiction. It’s critical to remember that how we react to certain individuals, situations or emotions can be harmful and inadvertently feed our addiction. Learning to trust our new boundaries without testing them can be challenging. Some members go so far as a written contract with their sponsor to delineate their new acceptable behaviours.

Affirmation I can work on establishing healthy boundaries and relationships.