Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Daily Homework


--by jeri, posted Apr 5, 2008

I am a recovering alcoholic.  Years ago I went into a hospital because of depression.  My life was a mess, my husband wanted a divorce. My daughter was doing drugs.  Everything in my life was coming apart including me.

My girlfriend's father came to see me.  He was a big, barrel chested Irishman, who loved wearing Nike sweatshirts that said "JUST DO IT". 

Upon my release from the hospital, he began to take me to AA meetings, and we would meet for coffee, or go to his house where he and his Alcoholics Anonymous member wife slowly helped me back to life.

They gave me a homework assignment.  I was to stand in front of my mirror and look into my eyes and say, "you are a beautiful person, you deserve a good life, I care about you, I love you".  He said, "JUST DO IT".

Every night he would call at 11:00 pm and ask if I had done my homework.  It felt silly at first, but I did it.  I don't know when exactly I began to really see me, and hear me, but I did.  It was the beginning of me caring about me.  It was also the beginning of understanding that in order to care for others I had to care about me. 

It was the best homework I was ever given. Dan and Liz are not on this planet anymore.  I still "JUST DO IT". 

So everyone out there, here is your homework assignment:

Stand in front of a mirror and look into your eyes, say out loud, You are a beautiful person, You deserve a good life, I care about you, I love you.  Don't think about it.

JUST DO IT!

4385 Reads

Readers Comments

sabrina wrote: YOur girlfriend's parents have literally saved you.How simple n silly it seems but it did bring the change in you. I hope it will do for others too.Cheers
wayfarer wrote: You made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck, Jeri! A POWERFUL story!
AURELIA wrote: Jeri,
Congratulations on your Sobriety.
Thank you for sharing this personal story with us. I am sure many will find comfort and confidence through it. Beautiful. ~Aurelia
sanserif wrote: This really brought tears to my eyes...Certianly my inspiration for the day. I am going to make it my homework assisgnment everyday. Thank You so much for sharing!
JuneBug wrote: Whata great story!!! I am glad you are here to pass this along!!! Thank you for being you!! :}
lmil1954 wrote: Thanks Jeri- we all need that. You were rescued to be a blessing and you certainly are that today!!! I thank God for you. LindaM:)
Tigerlily wrote: Oh... I love a good story. And I love it when a beautiful plan comes together and a beautiful person takes back her life! Thank you for sharing.
PayingForward wrote: What wonderful people the Lord brought into your life ... just when you needed them. I am proud of you for doing your homework ... and happy for you that you came to realize that what you were saying to yourself is TRUE! May the Lord continue to bless you. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. :)
lovebug wrote: Your story could not have come at a better time for me. I learned to do this homework but I am not sure who taught it to me. But I am greatful I learned to like myself and I am even more greatful, you found in yourself a person you could like. God Bless
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: That is awesome! Thanks for sharing your story!

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