"We focus on the negatives, losing ourselves in the problem. We point to our unhappy circumstances to rationalize our negative feelings. This is the easy way out. It takes, after all, very little effort to feel victimized."
-- Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
Nothing and no one can make us a victim. We do it to ourselves when we allow external circumstances to hold power over us.
Although we have no control over what happens to us, we ALWAYS have a choice in how we respond. We hold our power when we accept complete responsibility for our thoughts, feelings and actions.
"A man may fall many times but he won't be a failure until he says someone pushed him."
-- Elmer G. Letterman
"The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed."
Thanks for these, Wren. They are worth keeping, for me.
I think I relished in my own perceived Victim Mentality for so long, it is now why I isolate. If I don't interact with folks on a more intimate level, I don't get hurt or "victimized". The problem is, I miss out on being fully rooted in AA as a result. I have a great sponsor and family, but I hold folks at meetings at a distance. And as history has shown me, I need to take a chance and let myself get 'connected' again. But if I go in with the assumption that someone is going to "hurt me", that is probably exactly what is going to happen. My sick alcoholic mind will find a reason to feel victimized.
Good stuff for me to ponder on today, as I struggle to open myself up to all the program has to offer me.
Thanks, and (((hugs)))
joni
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~~"It's hard to be hateful when you're grateful."~~
