Self-esteem. It’s interesting to think about what that word means. How do I esteem myself? What do I think of who I am?

For most of my life I let others make that decision for me. I was a people pleaser. I let what others thought of me define who I was. In recovery, I’m learning who I am. I am growing. I am more self-aware in knowing my strengths and my weaknesses.

Because I am learning who God—my higher power—is and how I am loved just as I am. I can admit when I make a mistake, realizing I, myself, am not a mistake.

I can listen to other people’s criticism of me or my actions and I can choose to examine the truthfulness of their criticism, being open to what is true. Sometimes, there is some truth in what they say, some change that would benefit me. Sometimes the criticism is coming from the other person’s issues.

I am learning to accept. Accepting and loving myself, I can accept them for who they are now, where they are now. I pray and wish them well on their journey.

Debbie – 01/22/2019