I'm Mike, an alcoholic.

All my life I have struggled with my own perception of self worth. I tend to fall into the trap that I am somehow less than I should be, or what others expect of me. These feelings of inadequacy have a way of twisting into something far more treacherous for me. Because I feel like I am less than you, I spend a lot of time trying to prove to myself that I am better than you. This ugliness manifests itself into arrogant, judgmental, egotistical behavior. I become close minded, self righteous, and mean. I have done things in the guise of helping others just to bring attention to myself. This is wrong and unhealthy. When I can accept myself as I am, the good and the not so good, my relations with others definitely improve. I am able to learn, be empathetic, and be generous without expectations. I find that when I strive for acceptance of myself I am a much happier person. I wish I could say that I always am accepting. I am not. I am human. I have faults. I can say that I strive for this and today that will have to be enough. Thanks for listening.
- Mike A