It has been a while since my last share...

How often have you said that phrase?  I'm still a "newborn" in the program of recovery, having only 6 months of time spent in the program.  I'm still learning about the ups and downs, ins and outs...and the effort that is required to stay focussed on a program of recovery.  I have taken time away from meetings, been sleeping later, and neglecting these blogs...and of course, during this time I also had to restart my sobriety date.
I continue to be observant of my life.  Now I can see how even a slight form of isolating can mean disaster for my recovery...So I get back on the horse and start again.  Hopefully I can simply learn from these events...about how it was sneaky, and not intentional to neglect my recovery.  I always felt like saying "I should've done this"--is like throwing a punch at my own face.  I don't want to abuse myself.  The addict inside of me is abuse enough.  I have learned over time that No One will give me the nurturing love that Only I can give myself---the love and kindness that is given to us by our Higher Power.  I don't really have a life that was void of Loving people.  But, I have seen many people that were never shown the love they deserve, the kindness and consideration of another gentle soul.  To them I have said, "we must learn to stop the cycle of abuse witnessed in our lives, and learn to show love to ourselves, in this way we are able to show love to others and better live a life of recovery which is fulfilling."
Think of the story of the Good Samaritan:

Luke 10: Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.³¹A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. ³²So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. ³³But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. ³⁴He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. ³⁵The next day he took out two silver coins^[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

 ³⁶"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

 ³⁷The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
      Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

Within this same chapter is the Golden Rule "love thy neighbor as thyself"....Jesus was giving this parable story to explain "who our neighbor is..."
Now, Stretch your imagination---  If you are supposed to be this kind to a stranger, your neighbor, then you should also be this kind and loving to yourself.  Be gentle and nurturing to your mind and your body, taking care to heal your wounds.  Learn from any past mistakes and make any adjustments you may need, but do not abuse your mind or your spirit with negativity...and also do not pass by like the Priest or Levite in the story: this would be like leaving yourself in the gutter and giving up on life.
Take a moment to say something nice about yourself.  Then take a moment and be grateful for any person that has been a good samaritan to you in the past.