The Language of Letting Go: February 7th

Owning Our Power

We need to make a distinction between powerlessness and owning our power.

The first step in recovery is accepting powerlessness. There are some things we can't do, no matter how long or hard we try. These things include changing other people, solving their problems, and controlling their behavior. Sometimes, we feel powerless over ourselves - what we feel or believe, or the effects of a particular situation or person on us.

It's important to surrender to powerlessness, but it's equally important to own our power. We aren't trapped. We aren't helpless. Sometimes it may feel like we are, but we aren't. We each have the God-given power, and the right, to take care of ourselves in any circumstance, and with any person. The middle ground of self-care lies between the two extremes of controlling others and allowing them to control us. We can walk that ground gently or assertively, but in confidence that it is our right and responsibility.

Let the power come to walk that path.

Today, I will remember that I can take care of my self. I have choices, and I can exercise the options I choose without guilt.

From The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie ©1990, Hazelden Foundation.

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Oftentimes, we look at a word like 'powerlessness' and think it's a bad thing............that if we admit our powerlessness over food, that we're going to wind up having even WORSE binges than ever, and give up completely.

Powerlessness over food is actually a good thing...........a liberating thing............when we give UP is when we stop giving IN!

For decades I didn't own my own power. I felt helpless and 'less than', and gave my power AWAY.  At the same time, I felt like it was my job to run the world, and to control everyone IN it! I never COULD do that...........it always backfired, and left me feeling even worse than ever before.

There are some things I cannot do, no matter how long or how hard I try.  I cannot change other people, solve their problems, or control their behavior. 

For today, I understand that I am not trapped or helpless.  I have the ability to take care of myself in any circumstance, and with any person.  For today, I will not allow others to control ME, nor will I try to control THEM.

For today, I surrender my powerlessness over food & my powerlessness to control others.  I accept my power to take care of ME, however, and I pray to exercise that option without guilt.