My one resolution in 2016 was to learn to like myself. It took nearly the whole year, and I’m still not good at doing it every day, but I finally learned at least how to go about it.
I learned that the only path to liking myself was to accept myself at this moment, to accept that I am where I need to be, and that I have value as I am now.
This insight came after a phone call with my sponsor, a good friend in the program, who reminded me that, even though I might not like my current situation or circumstances, accepting that my Higher Power (HP) loves me and accepts me exactly where I am at this moment is the key to loving myself. If I can accept that I am where I need to be, that my HP knows this and loves me as I am, then I can love myself. If I love myself, then I can learn to be kind to myself, and being kind to myself is the root of positive changes.
I admit that it was emotionally overwhelming to come to that realization. I admit that I wanted to live in that moment of pure bliss and acceptance forever.
But acceptance is a process, not a static state. It is the daily practice of releasing the illusion of control; of developing a habit of turning to my HP for assurance rather than relying on food to give me emotional strength.
Paradoxically (or, perhaps not), it is in turning inward for strength that I feel most weakened. I want the easy crutch of my addiction. I want the easy excuse of hating myself and my situation so that I an eat until I self destruct.
This year’s goal is to continue to good work I began last year. This year’s goal is to make choices (in food as well as in managing stress) that honor the goodness that my HP sees in me. This year’s goal is transformation of mind and spirit; whether it shows up in my body is completely incidental.
Today's Ration 