It took me a long time to learn what love truly means. I thought love included pleasing others, saying “yes” when I meant “no,” swallowing my true feelings and putting myself last. What I didn’t know is that I was practicing resentment, anger, fear, jealousy and everything but love. I could not love others because I did not love myself.

Then I decided to take care of myself first. I considered no one but me, took care of myself, (or so I thought) while actually alienating myself from those close to me. I ate compulsively to tame the self-loathing I felt inside. And I loathed myself because I did not treat myself with real love and kindness.

Today I know that loving myself must come first. If I love myself, I am better able to love everyone in my life because I do things from a place of honesty. If I treat myself with respect, I treat others with respect. Everyone wins when I love myself enough to accept myself, flaws and all.

One day at a time ... I will ask my Higher Power for the ability to accept and love myself for where I am this day, knowing I am a work in progress like a tree that grows from self-care and nurturing. ~ Melissa

	Meditations Index
	Recovery Site Map
	Recovery Main Page
	The Twelve Traditions
	The 12 Steps of Recovery
	Recovery Message Board
	Recovery Online Meetings
	Serendipity ~ Our Newsletter

© Copyright 1995 ~ 2006 THE RECOVERY GROUP All rights reserved