OPEN MINDEDNESS ~

[janbear]

OPEN MINDEDNESS ~

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Let go of your attachment to being right,
and suddenly your mind is more open.
You're able to benefit from the unique viewpoints of
others,
without being crippled by your own judgment.

Ralph Marston

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Before joining this program much of my life
was taken up with defending myself against
those who would hurl abuse. I kept
everything and everybody at arm's length in
a bid to protect my increasingly fragile and
sensitive self-assurance. As time marched
on, and my disease became parasitical,
the walls around me grew higher and
isolation drew me inwards.

Ironically, the fortress I was building didn't
protect me from myself and I soon became
my own worst enemy. My self-loathing and
my unceasing search for perfection led me
deeper into a self-induced state of depression.
Keeping everybody out and locking myself in
became an exhausting exercise.

On entering the 12 Step program I soon
realized that the fortress I had so carefully
built to protect myself against the outside
world was also preventing any kind of light,
warmth and love from entering in.

As my journey of recovery progressed,
brick by brick the walls came down and
afforded me the nourishment I needed to
blossom and grow. In learning to accept
myself, I found that what others thought
of me paled into insignificance. I learned
that there was a wealth of experience,
strength and hope which would help me
along the journey. I learned that I could
take what I needed and put down the
remainder, without the resentment, anger,
fear or pain, which previously would have
sent me running for cover.

ONE DAY AT A TIME ...
I aim to be willing to keep my mind open,
to accept what I need to continue my journey,
and to leave the rest.

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