*September 4th*

As I uncover and face my own shortcomings, my many good qualities will be revealed to me, too, reminding me that they have the same reality as my faults. Let me appreciate them, for they not only "off-set" the faults, but give me a foundation on which to grow. If I recognize that I am kind, tolerant, generous, honest, patient - let me delight in these constructive qualities. They make it possible to accept myself as a friend; they are mighty allies in eliminating the shortcomings that are roadblocks to my serenity.

Today's Reminder
It is just as self-deceptive to discount what is good in us as to justify what is not. This is false humility, which is as hampering as arrogance! The purpose of examining our characters - with as much honesty and detachment as possible - is not to exaggerate guilt for what we lack, but to use the good to overcome the faults.

"Let me learn to understand myself first; that will occupy me so fully that I will have no time nor thought to analyze and criticize my spouse, my family and other people around me."

[Taken and fashioned from "One Day At A Time In Al-Anon"
for general family relationships by Jim Hogue, MA, MFTI]