Relationships

Relationships have been a slippery slope for me.  When I first started my recovery journey in Overeaters Anonymous (OA), I found that I had substituted loving, supportive relationship with people for illusion of relationship with food...I ran to food for comfort and for celebration, and more.  I felt uneasy about sharing with people.  I lacked trust.  Today, I am surrounding by a loving, accepting tribe of healing...we are committed to each other and I feel safe sharing my woes as well as my triumphs with them; and it's reciprocal.  I desire deep connections with people who are ok with being who they are...ok with exposing strengthens as well as opportunities of improvement they have discovered about themselves...no condemnation.  My friends and I learn and are inspired and encouraged by each other.

Also, today, the word "relationship" means more than heart-to-heart, authentic connection with other people.  It's also about heart-to-heart, honest connection with myself and with God.  When I can spend time in self-reflection, I see who I truly am...knowing that if there is a trait that is wonderful, that it's ok to give myself a "high-five"; but also realizing that it's ok to make mistakes cause this is how I grow...awareness thru mistakes is a gift cause then I can choose to do differently if I want to grow.  When I am in authentic relationship with myself, I can see the need (i.e. need for development, encouragement, nurturing) loaded behind a fear and take steps to meet it.  Practice of loving-kindness with myself when I take time to listen and respond gentle to my healthy desires is my norm...and I'm thankful.

Relationship with God is  most important.  God is the wind beneath my wings.  Nurturing my relationship with God is about communing:  sharing my thoughts, dreams, likes, dislikes, hopes, dreams; includes asking God to direct my thinking; to teach me to want what he wants for me (God wants what is best for me).  Relationship with God includes dancing to my favorite music for him; visualizing a Father/daughter dance with him; meditation about his goodness to me; thanking him for the honor of his Presence in my life and for his guidance and strength.  When I am strong in spiritual relationship with God, all other relationships flourish because I am able to be a loving, secure presence...knowing and feeling that I am loved and that I have all that I need; and when I feel secure...I am able to be of maximum service to God, to myself and to others.

What's the quality of your relationships? Are you in loving, open, accepting relationship with God, yourself and others?  Is there room for improvement...