[MajestyJo]

When I look at this slogan, I think of my sobriety. It has to come first. For so many years I put others before me and didn't know how to practice self-care and look after myself. Everything I needed was put aside to people please others.

When I look at the words, the message I get is that I am worthwhile, I am deserving of recovery. I can't sacrifice what is good for my health and well being, that includes not picking up substances outside of myself to make me feel better. i.e. food, relationships, work, pills, alcohol and cigarettes. I had to make my life 'sacred' and a safe place for me to live in. What is important to me? Sobriety (soundness of mind) and being whole and complete within myself.

For many years, I gave in to others, saved the peace, didn't rock the boat and ended up the victim and the martyr, roles I don't want to play in today. Game playing never got me to a healthy place. Manipulation and control only lead to resentment and low self-esteem and self-worth.

Relationship were not things I did well. I was never able to communicate with my partners as to what I needed in the relationships. Most times my partner tried to fit me into a role he thought I should be. I lost my identity and lived my life through others. That isn't acceptable to me in sobriety.