For Today: July 1st

When a proud man hears another praised, he thinks himself injured.

English proverb

Abstinence is like pulling up a window shade: it gives me a view of my real problems.  I see a willful child, wanting to be first, to be best, to be noticed and praised.  When I hear a good word for someone else, I have not outgrown the cry, “What about me?”  I feel so unloved I need it all.

Let me take steps now to face my defect of pride and use it as an incentive to grow.  Then I can be free of competitiveness and share in the joy of someone else’s virtues and strengths.

For Today:  I do not compare myself with anyone but, rather, appreciate each of us for what we are. That is the true harmony of the world.

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Most of my disease of compulsive overeating is due to the fact that I never grew up. I wanted things done my way or not at all.  

When I insist that life should be 'fair' is when I feel shortchanged. Because, in reality, life is not fair! If I feel entitled to this or that and don't get it, that leaves me feeling disappointed and not equal to the rest of humanity.

What a crock.  When I feel that I've been 'shortchanged', I feel justified to overeat & to soothe my wounds, self-inflicted as they are.

Unless I change my whole attitude, how can I expect to find & maintain abstinence? When I let go of my self-righteous pride is when I am able to see things clearly & properly. Until then, however, my Ego is in charge & leading me by the nose.

My competitiveness pits me against my fellow man.....and prevents me from working with him toward a common goal. For today, I do not need to be first, to win, to compete with anyone....I just need to be me & recognize my own value for what it is!