The choice to change ourselves isn’t an easy decision, and the action required of oneself is even more daunting. Choosing change requires us to love ourselves, and be brave when facing our fears. We must be willing to let go of the familiar and venture into the unfamiliar. Twenty-seven years ago, my mother did just that and made the self-loving choice to change. At a meeting she admitted to herself, and a room full of strangers that she was an alcoholic. The only difference between that day and the others that preceded was on that particular day she was willing to change. Prior to then she had tried to quit drinking and couldn’t do it, but she didn’t quit trying.
Her drinking had escalated to a level of self-destructiveness that she no longer welcomed. She didn’t know who she would become but trusted she would develop into a better person if she stopped drinking. Through her bravery and commitment, she did become a better version of herself. Life has tested her in many ways over the years and she has held strong. Her sustained sobriety is a testament to the importance of self-love. Loving ourselves is giving ourselves more of what we deserve. When we don’t like something we have a choice to change ourselves, or our reactions and involvements to situations.
My mother chose the fear of the unknown instead of repetitive behaviors that guaranteed disappointment. She acknowledged that she was responsible for making changes limited to herself, not others. With the help of The Serenity Prayer https://www.pinterest.com/pin/308989224417490058/. and the support of many she changed for the better. I’m SO proud of her sobriety and thankful for her exemplifying the brave lesson of self-love being the reward for choosing change.
