~ UNDERSTANDING ~
:~*~:. .:~*~:. .:~*~:. .:~*~:. .:~*~:. .:~*~:
Understanding is the wellspring of life.
The Bible, Book of Proverbs
:~*~:. .:~*~:. .:~*~:. .:~*~:. .:~*~:. .:~*~:
Early on in my recovery I became aware
that understanding myself and my disease
was going to be a tool of success. For
many years I lived day after day in my
addiction, bemoaning it, suffering in
it, struggling against it, and adopting
the world view of my condition. I came
to believe that losing weight was the
answer to all my problems ... if I could
stick to a diet. Because I couldn't, the
thoughts of worthlessness, ignorance,
shame and guilt were repeatedly
reinforced.
In working the Steps, the idea of
recovery through understanding myself
was born. Through knowledge of my
Higher Power, and by His guidance, the
understanding of my past and my present
have given me keys to freedom from
compulsive overeating. I welcome working
the Steps because they have opened doors
of my heart to mend the past and receive
hope for the future. Understanding who I
am and why I'm like I am, allows me to
be abstinent and to develop new ways of
coping with the stresses of life.
Understanding the disease frees me from
guilt and shame and releases self-
acceptance.
ONE DAY AT A TIME . . .
I continue to seek knowledge and understanding as a way to recovery.