Never look down on someone unless youre helping them up.
I used to love taking other peoples inventory. My fragile ego thrived on looking down on others, reveling on those who had less, made less, or werent as smart as I thought I was. By constantly comparing myself to others, I could always justify my behavior, and regardless of how bad I did, I was always doing better than most of the people I looked down on. By denigrating and devaluing other people and their experiences, I became not only numb to them, but to myself as well.
When I entered the rooms of recovery, I brought my twisted perspective with me. I immediately began judging and looking down on others, disregarding their experience and unique challenges. Soon I found myself alone, bitter and feeling apart from again. I nearly went out. Once again it was my sponsor who helped me locate the inferiorities and fears within myself that caused me to put others down so I could feel better. Through working the Steps, I began to realize that everyones path is different, and that if I were in their shoes, dealing with what they had to go through, I might have done much worse. It was a revelation that truly humbled me.
Today I have learned to step back and view others with empathy. Because my ego is more right sized I am no better nor worse than you I no longer have to look down on you to feel better. Today I can look you in the eyes and understand we are the same. Today I look to help you, because when I do, I am helping myself and all others in the program get better.
Today, when Im looking down on someone, its because Im trying to help them up.
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Copyright @ 2016 Michael Z
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
