Food for Thought: October 16th

Admitting Wrongs

Step Ten reminds us to continue to take daily inventory and to promptly admit when we are wrong. By admitting our mistake out loud to the person we have harmed, we clear away bad feelings and guilt. The relationship is healed, and we are able to put the error behind us. Admitting that we are wrong helps us even more than the person we have injured.

Since it usually takes two people to disrupt a relationship, the entire blame may not be ours. Admitting our share of wrong, however, relieves us of guilt and opens the way to reconciliation.

Being able to apologize simply and sincerely means that we are not bound by pride and egotism. We do not always have to be right. By accepting our human fallibility, we are free to be ourselves, to make mistakes, to correct them, and to make amends.

Admitting wrongs keeps us honest with ourselves, with others, and with our Higher Power. We stay anchored in the real world and we practice healthy humility.

May I not be too proud to admit I am wrong.

From Food for Thought: Daily Meditations for Overeaters by Elisabeth L. ©1980, 1992 by Hazelden Foundation.

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Pride & ego always threaten to stand in the way of my recovery. When I am reluctant to admit my wrongs is when I am ripe to fall.  Putting my Ego in charge of my life prevents me from surrender, and leads me to believe MY way is the only way.  In reality, God is in charge of my life and His way is the only way.  My ego is self-will gone berserk..........being a control freak only hurts me, in the long run.  My 'self-will' brought me to my knees at 225 lbs and will bring me to my knees again & again. 

For an addict, the only way to live is with humility, putting Ego to rest and relying on God to take over & guide us. My program tells me to immediately admit my wrongs & to apologize for them, so that I am not harboring guilt and a heavy heart. Apologies keep me humble and free of self-righteous pride.  Keeping humility intact allows me to let God into my heart & soul, and to let go of my controlling ways.

For today, I am staying anchored in the real world, where my Ego plays second fiddle & I practice the fine art of humility.

Amen.