| Definition.
Self-Image
The thoughtless practice of lumping people into categories can be destructive. Some of us still see the with resentment over the roles we were given in our families while growing up. We realize that this way of being defined was a put-down.
As adults living sober, we must now make sure we define ourselves in ways that contribute to our success and happiness. If others attempt to attach labels to us, we must not accept this____ at least not in our own minds.
If others are attempting to define us in this way, we must always ask whether we've invited such labeling. Did our behavior somehow give them this impression? Did we mask our true feelings to present an image with which we don't really want to live? Whatever the answer, we must take charge of defining who we are and what we want to be.
If I don't like the way people have been viewing me, I'll change the signals I've been sending out. Any signals I send should fit the way I really want to be known.
From the book Walk in Dry Places. |