Emotional Maturity

The mature person has developed attitudes in relation to himself and his environment which have lifted him above "childishness" in thought and behavior.

My Mind Is My Garden

My Thoughts Are My Seeds,

I Will Harvest

Either Flowers or Weeds.

Some of the characteristics of the person who has achieved tru adulthood are suggested here:

1. He accepts criticism gratefully, being honestly glad for an opportunity to improve.
2. He does not indulge in selfpity. He has begun to feel the laws of compensation operating in all life.
3. He does not expect special consideration from anyone.
4. He controls his temper.
5. He meets emergencies with poise.
6. His feelings are not easily hurt.
7. He accepts the responsibility of his own acts without trying to "alibi."
8. He has outgrown the "all or nothing" stage. He recognizes that no person or situation is wholly good or wholly bad, and he begins to appreciate the Golden Mean.
9. He is not impatient at reasonable delays. He has learned that he is not the arbiter of the universe and that he must often adjust himself to other people and their convenience.
10. He is a good loser. He can endure defeat and disappointment without whinning or complaining.
11. He does not worry unduly about things he cannot help.
12. He is not given to boasting or "showing off" in socially unacceptable ways.
13. He is honestly glad when others enjoy success or good fortune. He has outgrown envy and jealousy.
14. He is open-minded enough to listen thoughtfully to the opinions of others.
15. He is not a chronic "fault-finder."
16. He plans things in advance rather than trusting to the inspiration of the moment.

Last of all, we think in terms of spiritual maturity.

1. He has faith in a Power greater than himself.
2. He feels himself an organic part of mankind as a whole contributing his part to each group of which he is a member.
3. He obeys the spiritual essence of the Golden Rule: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

Alcoholics Anonymous