ACCEPTING MYSELF AND MY KIDS

ACCEPTING OTHERS

As children, we never felt like we fit in. We felt different, set apart, and lonely. We didn’t know how to connect well with others, including those in our own family. We were afraid that others wouldn’t accept us. If we had friends, we weren’t close to them. We never talked about our inner thoughts, feelings, or fears to anyone. We were afraid to face ourselves.

We are learning to look at ourselves and others in a new way. Once we began to face ourselves honestly, we no longer felt so alienated from others. When we began accepting ourselves, we noticed we were less prone to criticize others. Our growing self-acceptance has improved our relationships with others. We notice other people’s gifts instead of their liabilities. This mutual acceptance is one of the biggest benefits in our recovering lives.

We are now more accepting of our children. We are softer and gentler with them. We see them through new eyes of compassion, not our old critical eyes. As we become more accepting of ourselves, we are not so envious of our children. When we accept ourselves, we begin to take care of our own needs. As we take care of our own needs, it’s much easier to take care of our children without resenting them. We are less fearful about our children’s future. We place our trust in God, not in our worrying.

As I accept myself, I accept others and to feel close to them.