Old me vs. recovering me

One of my greatest struggles through the entire recovery process is letting go of the past, moving on and embracing a beautiful life that stands before me. I was reading something from Lifeline, which is the monthly magazine full of stories put out by OA. In one of the stories, the author talked about no longer being 500 pounds and wrote a letter to herself as she walked on from old to new. This really speaks to those of us who have lived through abuse, have body image issues or/and have beat ourselves up (me, me me!!!). I'd like to share it here as a reminder to be kind and love towards myself, no matter what ... just as God does unconditionally.

"Dear Old Me,

I love you, and I willfully choose to forgive you for everything you have done wrong against any person, place, thing or God. I love you in spite of all your mistakes, shortcomings, faults, attitudes and behaviors that now cause me distress. I love you for who you were from birth, childhood and adulthood. I willfully accept all that took place - not as vile curses, but as tools to the creation of the beautiful New Me, who is evolving out of the tattered, battered, worn Old Me. I willfully choose to soothe your old wounds so New Me will be whole and complete. I willfully choose to comfort and encourage you in your transition so New Me will be of sound mind and strong character. I willfully choose to forgive you to set me free to have a fresh and healthy New Me. Old Me, you are loved this day by me and forgiven. Much was not even your fault. It is in the past. Though there is a New Me, you are to be loved, honored, respected and cherished, Old Me. You are the womb from which New Me has been born. I value and appreciate everything you went through in your life."