Others do not always forgive us. It is therefore important in Recovery to learn to forgive ourselves. This is a healing process.
It begins with personal change. We can forgive ourselves in Recovery only if we have first changed our behaviour. In other words, forgiving ourselves is earned if our behaviour has changed for the better.
It is accepting Truth, followed by Reconciliation, with ourselves.
It is possible because our behaviour was influenced by a disease. This is not an excuse for our past behaviour, but it is an explanation; and it makes self-forgiveness possible, so long as we are willing to accept the consequences of our actions, change our behaviour and seek and accept treatment.
Forgiving ourselves is possible if we replace shame with genuine remorse.
Forgiving ourselves is very different from forgetting. We must never forget. “Forgive and forget” does not apply here, especially with respect to self-forgiveness. We must not “shut the door on our past”, otherwise we may repeat our mistakes, and even relapse.
Forgiving ourselves is peace of mind.
Forgiving ourselves is not possible without sobriety.
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