APRIL 24
LEARNING TO LOVE OURSELVES
Alcoholism was a lonely business, even though we were surrounded by people who loved us . . . Wewere trying to find emotional security either by dominating or by being dependent upon others . . . Westill vainly tried to be secure by some unhealthy sort of domination or dependence.AS BILL SEES IT, p. 252
When I did my personal inventory I found that I had unhealthy relationships with most people in my life—my friends and family, for example. I always felt isolated and lonely. I drank to dull emotional pain. It was through staying sober, having a good sponsor and working the Twelve Steps that I was able to build up my low self-esteem. First the Twelve Steps taught me to become my own best friend, and then, when I was able to love myself, I could reach out and love others.