keep your balance

Again, somehow something did not post properly!!

That is what my Daily Dharma said this week. 

Just as a person mired in quicksand cannot help another until he has himself reached firm ground, our ability to help others depends chiefly on keeping our own balance. - Andrew Olendzki, "Keep Your Balance"

One of my ESP Angels ( ESP Angels for another post on another day ) that I send these to each morn replied, "It is particularly true in the world of addiction and I guess in the world of love too. You can't really love somebody else until you love yourself:) Then she added this as well."This daily dharma hit a personal chord with me from two angles. Firstly, after years of being mired in quicksand while addicted to prescription medications and a life nearly tragically and horrifically ended by what has been categorized as "accidental addiction" (over prescribing and not following up family doctor), I looked for help anywhere I could find it. As a drowning person, I clung to other addicts who professed being recovered. It wasn't until my best friends (non addicted) found a professional detox hospital offering medical detoxification, support and solid information, that I was able to pull myself from the quicksand that promised to take my life. I realize reading this dharma that only now can I offer help to others because I found balance and a life outside of quicksand.

Secondly, it struck me that a person can't truly love another person without loving oneself first in the most honest and balanced way. I like receiving these dharmas to reflect upon daily. They help me stay honest and balanced:)  

wise words direct from 'kimisms'

esp = extra special person