What self-perceptions have you held, lately, that no longer serve you?
Shame – Evelyn Champagne King (6:31)
Creative Quotations by Alice Childress (1:28)
Meditation for Deep Introspection (9:40)
THIS INTROSPECTION REVEALS DISTORTED SELF-PERCEPTIONS –
“We want to find
exactly how, when,
and where our natural
desires have warp-
ed us.” (12 &
12, p, 42)
EVEN OUR GRATEFULNESS IS BENT AND TURNS THE GOOD INTO PAIN –
“Though painful
and sad, the past
cannot be changed.
However, the warped
beliefs we have devel-
oped about ourselves
and others can be
changed … .” (It
Works, How &
Why, p. 32)
“A gift – be it
a present, a kind
word or a job done
with care and love – ex-
plains itself … and if re-
ceivin’ it embarrass-
es you, it’s because
your ‘thanks box’
is warped.”
– Alice Childress (1920 – 1994) Afro-Amer., feminist writer
Comments
9 responses to “How Our Self-Perceptions are Deeply Warped Due to the ‘Fun House Mirror Effect’ – Step 4”
Once I feel a social requirement. It’s in my nature to follow through. I’ve noticed this can be taken advantage of. I need to keep objectivity and focus on mutual benefit and growth.
The self deprivation thought that I’ve had about myself which no longer serves me is believing that I am not capable of living life on life’s terms without the exact assistance from other people. In other words being able to support myself without family and friends directly involved in the day-to-day
Coming to realize that my “thanks box” cannot be filled unless I am working on my resentments. It is long past time for me to let go of resentments that are literally age-old. Time for me to step up, stop being filled with bitterness because of misunderstandings, and create space in myself for love and joy. Say, “bye-bye” resentments!
Good morning everyone + happy July 5. Here is today’s thought. Sometimes we have to go through something which seems unbearable + terrible. However, these trials can be the very seeds which will lead to something good. Trust in God. He will give you the strength to overcome. Blessings. BB
I know realize I’ve once again had ‘unreasonable expectations’ of a spiritual teacher and now must right-size that relationship. This is prolly my most frequent character defect.
I guess I’m still too much of a newcomer (11 days) and still just starting to dig through my own BS. I’ve felt pretty thankful every day since my last drink. Because I was just done. So I still am feeling like a burden has been lifted. So lately I’ve felt pretty grateful. I guess the idea that suddenly my life is all hunky dorry is a little “warped.” But as long as I’m moving forward in recovery I’m not going to second guess it.
I once heard a drug/alcohol counselor say in exasperation, “They don’t know how to be grateful!” Well, of course we do not know how to be grateful; Coming up for air after many years underwater, we first gasp for breath; ah, sweet oxygen in my lungs; sweet Higher Power in my life! Then we realize we have totally screwed up our lives and begin to recover from that. Then, working the first three steps we learn we are loved, lovable and loving. I learn to be grateful for the unconditional love I get and can give. Then I realize that things may not be so bad after all.
I still have problems accepting praise and that feels like it comes from low self-esteem. What I need to keep in mind is that not only am I worth a little praise now and then, its also makes the giver of praise feel more comfortable when I accept their praise with grace.
Again, great quote. I can never see the good of hard work I do & am embarrassed by compliments or minimize it – I’m against me! help AA! 🙂