RECOVERY: HOW WILL I KNOW IF I AM RECOVERING

1. I accept myself fully, even while wanting to change parts of myself. I have a basic self­love and self­regard, which I carefully nurture and purposefully expand.

2. I accept others as they are without trying to change them to meet my needs.

3. I am in touch with my feelings and attitudes about every aspect of my life, including my sexuality.

4. I cherish every aspect of myself: My personality, my appearance, my beliefs and values, my body, my interests and accomplishments. I validate myself rather than searching for a relationship to give me a sense of self­worth.

5. My self­esteem is great enough that I can enjoy being with others, especially the opposite sex, who are fine just as they are. I do not need to be needed to feel worthy. I am special just being. I need not "do."

6. I allow myself to be open and trusting with appropriate people. I do not expose myself to the exploitation of those who are not interested in my well­being.

7. I question: "Is this relationship good for me? Does it enable me to grow into all I am capable of being?"

8. When a relationship is destructive, I am able to let go of it without experiencing disabling depression.

9. I have a circle of supportive friends and healthy interests to see me through crises.

10. I value my own serenity above all else. All the struggles, drama, and chaos of the past have lost their appeal. I am protective of myself, my health, and well­being.

11. I know that a relationship, in order to work, must be between parties who share similar values, interests and goals, and who each have a capacity for intimacy.

12. I also know I am worthy of the best that life has to offer.

Adapted from Women Who Love Too Much by Robin Norwood


Source Anonymous
Last Revised -- Monday, November 11, 1996 10:26:20 PM
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