For Today: August 2nd

The barb in the arrow of childhood suffering is this: its intense loneliness, its intense ignorance.

OliveSchreiner

One of the paradoxes of life is that,  though most of us suffered carrying degrees of childhood pain, few know how to spare their own children.  We are presented with conflicting opinions about child care.  What was thought right a few years ago is no longer in vogue today.

In the Twenties, an undoubtedly well-intentioned behavioral psychologist advocated disciplining babies by not picking them up when they cry.  Fortunately, an overwhelming number of mothers never heard of this expert or his theories.  In the next two decades researchers revealed what mothers have always known: a baby cries out of vital physical and emotional needs, which are not subject to discipline.  To deliberately refuse to respond to a baby’s needs is to instill a feeling of rejection that may color all subsequent experiences.

The heart of a mother is absolutely reliable: it tells her to show love by being loving.

For Today:  The best discipline is love.

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The purpose of life is love. With my children, I have been able to show them unconditional love and they are the only 2 people on earth who can get that from me.  I'd like to provide that unconditional love for everyone I come in contact with.....and I'm working on it. 

In OA, most of us are experts at beating ourselves up so the last thing we need is another beating from a fellow member! I believe I DO find unconditional love from other OAers.......people who can relate to me and my disease like no other. Through love I find healing, recovery & self-acceptance.  Seeing myself through the eyes of someone who loves me makes me feel SO much better about myself.

As a compulsive overeater, it can be tough to show love for others if I don't feel self-love.......that is another dichotomy of the disease. As I grow in this program, it becomes easier to express love for other people as I develop self-acceptance & self-love.

The best discipline IS love. And, for today, I strive to show that to everyone in my life, especially my children.