For Today: September 17th

Fair and softly goes far.
Miguel de Cervantes

"Tough love" means different things to different people, but the meaning of the word 'love' never changes. If I have a loving attitude toward myself and others, I will treat everyone fairly whether I am "tough" or "soft" about it. Speaking so as not to wound a person can covey a difficult truth more effectively than caustic criticism and ultimatums. 

As I let go my perfectionism, it becomes easier to treat myself and others with respect.

For Today:  I have an obligation to myself and those around me to speak and act with fairness and consideration.

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I am more of a "tough love" kind of person myself...........I believe that the truth will do more harm than good, especially with addictive personalities. We tend to want to hear sugar coated words........but you can sugar coat a turd & it's STILL a turd.

Speaking to myself and to others with kindness and respect is the key to any message that needs to be conveyed. People tend to shut down when harsh words are used, even if the words are spoken in truth.  In OA, we strive TO speak our truth in a way that is digestible and acceptable.

As compulsive overeaters, we've already BEEN wounded by too many people in our lives. We are seeking recovery in an effort to heal those wounds, and harshness just keeps them open and festering.

When the student is ready, the teacher appears, and a message that's been repeated a million times may suddenly and miraculously be absorbed when the time is right. For today, I pray to convey the OA message to those who still suffer; and I pray to speak that message in a kind and empathetic fashion.