EATRITE - Exploration and Discovery - 2a

Explore your past and present to discover the truth about you. John 8:32

All children need healthy TIME, AFFECTION, and ATTENTION. (TAA)
Any dearth thereof disadvantages a growing child. Some people suffer from the scarcity and deficiency during childhood right through their adulthood. They seek compensation still for their deprivation during their early stages of development.

Abuse: Can be active (commission) or passive (omission), or both.

Relationship Survey: Recall. Write down. Grieve what needs grieving.

1 Family of origin: Growing up years
What was my relationship with my Biological/Adoptive parents?
What was my relationship with my grandparents?
How about my relationships with siblings? Extended families?
How did I relate to surrogate parents: coaches, teachers, ministers?
Was there active or passive abuse in any of these relationships?
What “isms” were about in my formative years?
(Alcoholism, rageaholism, workaholism, perfectionism… etc)

2 Members of the opposite sex/same sex:
Who were my close friends of the opposite sex/same sex?
What do I remember about those relationships?
Which were enjoyable? Which were painful/shameful?

3 Current family:
What is my relationship with my spouse/ex-spouse?
How is my relationship with my children?
How do I relate to any ‘others’ in my current home?
Is my home a warm, safe, nurturing place for me and mine?

4 Authority figures:
What were my relationships like with my past authority figures?
How do I relate to my present authority figures?
Who is just waiting for me to make a mistake?
Who is out to ‘get’ me?
What was my church/school atmosphere like?
How do I respond to criticism: real or imagined?
How do I do when I am the Authority Figure?!
How do I feel about God as my Authority Figure?

You used to be at the mercy of others in your life – now you are not. Move on.

I Cor 10:13; James 1:5; I John 5:14,15. Take these scriptures personally.

Homework Module 2a: Cut down on fats. Notice sugars – cut down.
No second helpings for a while... Remember and use “No”, “Yes” and Affirmations.
Exercise. Walk 10 minutes a day. Pray for yourself and your group members.

-Leslie Hand