Staying True to Our Values, Despite Pressures from Others ............. 11/19/20

          Sunday, I was chal-lenged, emotionally.  Three people banged upon my ser-enity, with urgent text messa-ges.  They wanted to rent big swaths of territory within my mind.  Each presented prob-lems they desired to add to my life. 

        We do not want that to happen. 

     Recovery teaches us to not accept unacceptable behav-ior.  It is never our responsi-bility to do what we don't want to do.  We are not ob-liged to sacrifice our integrity for anyone. 

     Better is staying true to our values.  Even when others get upset.  Their feelings are their property.  

     Our emotions are ours.  We are not responsible for the feelings of others.  If we were, we would not be able to make decisions upon what is right. 

     We would make them based upon how others react to our choices.  That is placing their personality above our principles.  No can do. 

    Recovery, Step 12 teaches us that we are to always place principles above personalities. 

My Gratitudes for Tonight: 

 1. I'm making time for fun.  Yes, even during this time when we are assailed by a weakening economy and the pandemic.  I am mindful of the recent death of a parent of two clients of mine.   

     He died, aged 61.  His passing at a relatively young age is a reminder tomorrow is not guaranteed for us, those we know or love.  Enjoy life, while we can.

2.  For genuine friends.  New ones may leave during difficult times. But old friends are there for us.  They've seen us during the good times and when times are tough.  

      They are the ones we want to lean upon when life throws us a curveball.  They are consistent, caring, and know us the best. 

       Wishing you a fantastic Friday,  I know mine will be.