“We strive for progress, not perfection.”

– Life with Hope, first edition, page 33

I had a father who expected perfection. I was constantly criticized when I made a mistake. He felt that his way to do things was the right way and the only way. I tried very hard to do things the way that he wanted me to; I felt that then he would love me. I grew up feeling like a failure. I lost my self-esteem and self-respect. I withdrew from social situations. To try to be perfect is a losing situation: no matter how hard I tried, I could never be perfect.

When I came into the rooms of MA and heard the expression, “progress, not perfection,” I was so relieved. I didn’t have to try to be perfect anymore. I learned that my self-perceptions were not based on fact, instead, they were based on fear. I have learned to have faith instead of fear. With faith and acceptance, I have learned that my Higher Power loves me just the way that I am, and I am so grateful.

Final thought: Every day, I thank my Higher Power for my recovery.