Rules

[nandm]

.....We have no right to save our own skin at another person's expense. Such parts of our story we tell to someone who will understand, yet be unaffected. The rule is we must be hard on ourself, but always considerate of others.

This is one of the only rules in this book. Do we have such a lack of concern for the well-being of others that we would try to gain relief for ourselves at their expense? We are attempting to gain freedom from selfishness.

[simplysweet]

btw - although not part of recovery - I LOVE Mayo Angelou. My b-friend bought me her book of poetry 11 years ago. I still reference it every now and then. Just had to share that.

[jlo34]

Sadly, many of us don't get the "selflessness" part. Many of us have lived feeding me, me, me for so long we often didn't think or worry about how others felt or what they may have needed.

Recovery and working the steps is about getting well; physically, spiritually and emotionally. Many of us likely started drinking when we should've been learning how to deal with life on life's terms.

Of course, our society seems to be fairly selfish as well... When I get frustrated with my selfishness or other people's selfishness, I like to read the Prayer of St. Francis (located in the 12x12 - page 99). It helps me re-focus where my HP wants my focus to be...on others...being useful and helpful to others.

Jen

[RufusACanal]

Thank you Judith for this thread.

[Tazman53]

Excellent thread, I try as best I can to watch what I say knowing that in some cases what I say may hurt someone, I strive to selfless, it is not easy at all times, sometimes my ego & pride steps up and my tongue slips resulting in some one else being hurt.

Yes I try and make amends ASAP, but it is better if I keep my tongue still and not have to make amends, then it is to hurt some one and then make amends.