“And I don’t want to just be sober; I want to be free!”

“We learn to be gentle with ourselves. We learn that not only do we forgive others, but we also forgive ourselves. We develop an honest pride in how we have grown in recovery. We have learned in our Program that people-pleasing is a dead end. Those who feel that they are not changing should look in the mirror. Recovery teaches us learning to like ourselves is one of the most valuable lessons. My life is mine; today it is not based on other people’s approval.”

“We can open ourselves to images of what might be. We know it takes many years to build a cathedral; yet each cathedral began as an image in someone's mind. What would we like to grow toward in our relationships? What can we do within ourselves today to carry us in that direction? Can we envision ourselves as successful in our work? What small steps will carry us toward the visions we cherish. The future is open; let my mind open and welcome other possibilities. Today, I am grateful for my imagination. I will be open to having faith in new possibilities.”