I agree completely Neshema . Keeping the focus on myself, means that I, stay inside my mind and body, checking how I feel and being gentle and nurturing to my spirit as well as my body. After I have done that I am better able to have compassion and empathy for others.

Thanks for the reminder that working with a sponsor and talking things over certainly helps to smooth out many rough spots.

Thanks rosie ;) I'm working on the same self care. We are similar you know I love to hit the thrift stores...I can afford to buy myself something sweet there , whether it be a self help book or a nice article of clothing. Yes you are so right, in learning to keep the focus on me ...I have to take care of myself, something I had no idea how to take care of me before the program, and it's still such a learning process. I could have taken care of a fleet of other people, but taking care of myself still feels a little foreign. It snowed a lot here, I could not make it to face to face, so I'm posting here, I worked a step with my mentor and then called my sponsor just to check in. Great reminders;) learning how to play and give myself the love others were not capable of.