i've benefitted in recovery by learning to be more tolerant of myself and others. what a gift that has been. i've learned there is no "all good" or no "all bad" in all of us, even the "norms". AA has taught me how to swing the pendulum to it's center. if i forget that we all are equal i suffer the consequence and have harmed others as well. that is what making amends to others has helped me to do.
i love the phrase "patience and tolerance". before i got sober i had little patience in others if they weren't quick on the ball. today i've learned my intelligence is a gift. in the workplace-i happened to be the boss-the phrase taught me patience with those who may not be as quick thinking. they have gifts i don't have so the playing field is balanced by this. it also applies to tolerance. i am not the "great i am". before sobriety i often thought i was. then pride and ego followed. there is still much for me to do as i progress.
this may sound odd but by becoming a drunk, then sobriety, and AA i found there are ways for me to recognize my qualities with humility not all puffed up. i learned to be kinder to others and kinder to myself. for that-AA's steps and sobriety i was given the gifts of the program. i don't know if i would have ever understood all these things by myself.
i am no better than anyone in this path called life. but i do think the world would be a far better world if we all practiced the golden rule. i am not perfect in all this but today i can strive to be a better person in all things. i can be more empathetic and kind to others.