Love of Self as Act of Obedience

Rabia's love for the divine was total and uncompromising; she withheld nothing. This intensity of devotion can be redirected toward the self and the family. Many parents in addiction struggle with self-hatred and self-neglect; they may feel unworthy of care or recovery. Rabia's teaching inverts this: if you would devote yourself entirely to what you love, then love yourself with that same fervor. This reframes self-care—therapy, exercise, rest, nourishment, boundaries—not as indulgence but as a form of spiritual obedience. You are honoring the human being you are. For a parent, this means: taking your sobriety seriously, investing in your healing, and protecting your peace because you matter. The child witnesses this and learns that self-love is not selfish; it is the foundation of being able to love others. When a parent says "I am going to my recovery meeting because I love myself and my family," they are teaching their child the most radical lesson: you are worthy of care and commitment.