August 28

AUGUST 28
A soft answer turneth away wrath. — Prov. 15:1

One of the most important things we learn in recovery is to be gentle with ourselves. Why is gentleness particularly important for a recovering sex addict? Our common experience has taught us that sex addiction can be violent. Whether we’ve been in a violent relationship, contemplated suicide, or been violent in other ways, sex addiction has shown how it can batter and harden us. It demeans every effort we make to feel good about ourselves. The wisdom of recovery helps us learn how to be kind to ourselves and others. In our groups, we treat each other with compassion, knowing that gentle attitudes and behavior heal the addiction’s harshness and violence. To be gentle does not mean avoiding pain or being dishonest. Rather, it helps us be strong in a way that does not damage us, but restores us. Gentleness gives us room to breathe. It creates a safe place within, so we can learn to love ourselves again.

I will be gentle with myself today.