Doug

You have got to know what it is you want, or someone is going to sell you a bill of goods somewhere along the line that can do irreparable damage to your self esteem, your sense of worth, and your stewardship of the talents that God gave you.
--Richard Nelson Bolles

In recovery, getting to know ourselves sometimes means developing a new form of toughness. As we deepen our relationships with ourselves, we have a clearer sense of what we care about, what is truly important, and what is not. Certainly we have learned there is evil in the world. Harm does come to good people and the good side does not always win. So we must be men who know ourselves and are not pushovers when our basic values and needs are challenged. We leave room for being wrong, and we continue to grow and learn. But we stand up for what we believe as we see it today.

We must not join the forces that would put us down or destroy us. Those negative forces are within us more often than they are outside. Wherever they come from, knowing clearly what we want and care about is our strongest defense.

I will seek the wisdom to know my values and the strength to defend my beliefs.

Time2Surrender

Great post Doug! Thanx.

Ann

I'm hanging on to the light, and staying out of that dark place that lingers and waits.

And Time2Surrender, I love your signature.

Hugs
Ann

ChrisMan

Well said, Doug! Thanks so much. I especially like what I quoted above, because it might be a good thought for the men's forum. Men in recovery often need to re-think their pre-conceived notions about manhood and what it means to be a man. I know I do!

Grimnar

I am learning that. I also needed to read it. Thanks Doug!

nutz

thanks doug,
I'm my own worse enemy.