Dallas Bragg explains self-love in chemsex recovery: the person who used drugs and the person healing are the same. Every trait from addiction served survival. Recovery means seeing both the saint and sinner in the mirror with compassion, not becoming flawless.
The man who used and the man who healed are the same man. The man who lied in active addiction and the one who tells the truth in group on Tuesday nights, same man. Every trait you have served a purpose, or you would not have survived long enough to read this or watch this. The goal was never to become a one-sided saint. The goal is to stand in front of the mirror, see the whole man, both images at once, the saint and the sinner. And remain as the compassionate observer appreciating and accepting both. That steady, unflinching seeing is love. Who doesn't want to be seen for who they really are, both sides?
