November 19

NOVEMBER 19

What is moral is what you feel good after. — Ernest Hemingway

For so long, we defined feeling good by short-lived, sensual gratification. One of the consequences of sex addiction is the weakening or, worse, near destruction of our moral values. Taking inventory of our morals in recovery helps us on our way to becoming truly moral people once again. We can decide what our personal morals are through experience, the program’s wisdom, and the guidance of a Higher Power. One of the greatest gifts of recovery is moral integrity, an inner and steadfast sense of what is right and wrong. If we do not have this, we will be forced to depend on things outside ourselves. If we espouse one thing publicly, but don’t really believe it, we will not live it, either. Our recovery depends on consistent values — especially values about sexuality — that lets us feel serene and good about ourselves. With the help of a searching and fearless inventory, we can live now according to our personal sense of morality and truly feel good again.

I will be open to the ideas of other people, but I will be guided by my own values.