Repairing the Damage

 I used to be so focused on how I had been mistreated, I was unable to recognize how anything I did could have harmed anyone else. I had the best intentions! The highest motivations! The whole victim mentality had me in a stranglehold of a dark fantasy world, where Truth was nowhere to be found.

Imagine my surprise as the realization slowly dawned that I was just as liable, if not more so, for my own unhappiness than anyone I loved to blame. I had to look into that mirror of What Is and see myself as I was. I had to decide to make changes. I had to have the humility to finally face up to my role in causing unhappiness for others, and have the willingness to atone. 

It was a paradigm shift. Awareness has responsibilities. If I am now able to see my part, to know how it feels to be on the receiving end of a negative word or action, then my only next move is to do all I can to make it right. I have to face my demons, then face those whom I have hurt, and acknowledge my part. I have to fix what is possible to fix, pay whatever I need to pay, take whatever action I need to take to clear the debris I left in my wake. Whew. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but is necessary for both peace of mind and continued sobriety. 

It’s a hard thing, but with the always-present guidance of the Power of Love, it’s not just doable, it’s mandatory.

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