What makes us abuse other's and ourselves?

If we come into this world innocent how is it that we get all turned around? How do you take something so beautiful like a brand new baby and tell it untruths, make it feel worthless, verbally or physically beat it up so badly that the child becomes a menace to themselves or others? How does that happen?

Most people who abuse themselves (using drugs, alcohol, or food) or abuse others' have forgotten how absolutely beautiful they are. They have repeated "old tapes" that were told to them. They make the foolish old tapes seem real, it becomes their reality. They begin to believe they are worthless, unlovable. They "settle" for people who don't treat them with respect and people who think they are worthless. STOP THE CYCLE. If you have an addiction whether it is a drugs, alcohol or food, instead of talking about it, go get help. The first step is the most difficult. The second one is a bit lighter. Whatever you do, don't continue to keep it going. Please, Please, don't give this to your children. Whoever started the abuse cycle to you did something very wrong, but if you keep it going you are no better. You can do it!!! One step at a time...you really can. Be brave--do it now. Do it for your children, do it for your lover, mostly do it for yourself.

MJO