SELF ACCEPTANCE

I have learned since coming back into recovery is that I have to accept myself for who I am.  I had to truly accept that I am an alcoholic.  In the beginning, this proved to be depressing, especially when I thought about others who could have that “one drink” when I knew I could never be a social drinker.

In accepting my weaknesses and defects, I have been able to change my thinking.  I can’t change the fact that I am an alcoholic, but I can accept it and focus instead on the parts of my life over which I have control and can change – the positive aspects of my life now and in the future.

With self-acceptance, I no longer focus on what I have lost because of my addiction but rather I look at the present and the future – I see it as a new adventure.

By accepting my strengths and weaknesses, I have become a different person.  I have a much closer relationship with my brothers and sisters, and since I accept myself, they are accepting and supportive of me.

I am changing what I can in life and learning to leave the rest behind.  I accept reality (good and bad) and I can be myself without worrying what others think.  I accept that I am not perfect and I don’t expect others to be perfect either.

Life is what it is, and by accepting this and myself, I have less stress and chaos – serenity has become my best friend.

SC