My sponsor tells me that self-pity is on the other side of that coin that is EGO. Even if I am viewing myself harshly, the focus is still on ME. The answer is in the BB. We get out of ourselves. Me out of me is the best I can be. I am just like you, a liar, a cheat, and a thief. But with a Solution, I can become an agent of my higher power, be of service, and carry the message to the still suffering person. That kind of purpose is amazing.