Centered3

That's a great idea. You need to do what's best for YOU, not what's best for everyone else.

I'm so happy to hear that. :-) We can have fun sober.

That's the disease of alcoholism, the part that centers in the mind. I struggle with this, too. I still believe the lies my mind tells me.

Someone recently recommended I ask myself, "Is that a God thought? If the answer is no, it is not true. It's an ego thought."

That's great. :-) It sounds like you have spiritually-healthy friends, then.

If they had reacted differently, like made dirty looks or passive aggressive comments about your dress and sandals, then that says more about them, than it does you. It's the part in the big book that says "perhaps they are spiritually sick...." We pray for them, and ask God to remove the resentment.

It helps me to remind myself that exterior stuff is not real, it's all b.s. What counts is interior stuff. "Recovery is an inside job!"

We are all God's children, and He loves us all equally. No one is less than or better than in His eyes. He doesn't want us to feel less than or better than anyone else. That's ego.

We don't let other people's opinion of us effect our opinion of ourselves in the least. We remind ourselves that the only opinion that matters to us , is God's. And I really don't think God cares if you wear a casual dress and sandals to a wedding. :-) He just wants you to be happy.

EXACTLY. :-) I find that a big part of my spiritual growth is letting myself be my authentic self. Someone commented recently at a meeting that I seem much more comfortable in my own skin. That's our goal. No more people-pleasing. Please God.

Woah, this was huge! You had a higher purpose for being there, that's beautiful.

Congrats on the growth, courage, and humility in making two amends! And much congrats and love on your one year AA birthday!
Hugs!!