Acceptance, important for all of us

[Charlize]

I found today's reading in Daily Reflections to be well worth sharing. it applies to both trans* and cis people whether they are addicts or not.

At times i've heard the expression "i'm a grateful alcoholic" used and when i first stopped drinking i thought they were crazy. Now as years pass and i begin to get back into a "normal life" i see the wisdom of those words,

Hugs,

Charlize

12

January

ACCEPTING OUR PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES

Our very first problem is to accept our present circumstances as they are, ourselves as we are, and the people about us as they are. This is to adopt a realistic humility without which no genuine advance can even begin. Again and again, we shall need to return to that unflattering point of departure. This is an exercise in acceptance that we can profitably practice every day of our lives.

Provided we strenuously avoid turning these realistic surveys of the facts of life into unrealistic alibis for apathy or defeatism, they can be the sure foundation upon which increased emotional health and therefore spiritual progress can be built.

— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 44

When I am having a difficult time accepting people, places or events, I turn to this passage and it relieves me of many an underlying fear regarding others, or situations life presents me. The thought allows me to be human and not perfect, and to regain my peace of mind.

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

[Guest Kenna Dixon]

I know that going public as transgender made me more accepting. Expecting not to be treated kindly can help us understand that it's a concern we share with others of many stripes who are "different".

[Robin Silk]

just got back from my morning daily reflections meeting and and thought this reading fit me well as i need to live in the present and accept todays situation and people in my life as they are...that this is exactly what i need in my life today. to add my transgender feelings adds the additional acceptance of myself and who i am. i am going to see my gender therapist this morning and i am hoping to have an honest discussion about dysphoria and how it relates to me. i have been thinking that part of my alcohol and drug abuse was an escape from dealing with my TG issues on a deeper level. one thing i am certain of is that my TG feelings have been the only constant, my inner woman has been there through 42 years of drinking and now 2.5 years of sobriety. i am so happy to be discovering where my place of acceptance of myself is

[Charlize]

Thank you for sharing Robin.

I went through 3 years, sober, thinking i was my biggest character defect. I could not accept myself. At three years i went to a women's meeting and found acceptance from others. I started to go to GLBT meetings and at 5 years came out to my home group.

shortly afterwards i found Laura's and further self acceptance.

I doubt i would still be sober if i was still trying to live a lie. Honesty is mentioned 3 times in the first paragraph of "How it Works."

It took me time to start being honest. It's still something i have to work on.

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest]

Oh this is too early in the morning for the House Mouse in the Cat House...

[sipping her coffee]

Yes, that is true. I'm grateful for my new living situation, yes but...

I'm not so sure about all that goes with it. My Higher Power knew what I needed and what my blind eyes could not see going in the door:

I needed more growth; growing up in public is sometimes an embarrassment!

I need to relinquish more power and control, I am no longer Queen Mom of my house.

What ever shreads of homophobia I might have had will be brotherly loved away.

I won't be tantrum proof, but it's a start. Hug. JodyAnn