The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Yesterday I did some good work with Step 1 I admit that I am powerless over my husbands addiction and that my life has become unmanageable.
I cannot control my husband. I cannot control what will happen when he comes home. I cannot control whether or not he drinks.
I can control myself. I can welcome him home lovingly. I can be positive regarding his recovery. I can make our home a loving environment. I will not incessantly check if he has drank or used. I will let him do it his way.
I have to work on the Let Go and Let God thing. I am a teacher. I am a control freak. I have to be in control or things get out of control, if you know what I mean! I have work on me and hopefully my husband will work on him.
I love your post, so often when we are working this step we forget that we DO have control over something -- ourselves and our behavior. (see control isn't necessarily a bad thing )
I hope you're finding it a wonderful relief releasing the burden of trying to control those things we just can't control -- I'll never forget how freeing that was.
What a great list. It is so important to remember that other people's business is none of ours, unless it infringes on our safety. Keep on working through these steps, they are absolutely amazing and you will be a different person, a LOT happier when you begin to really feel the letting go.
Congratulations on the good work!!! I know I was controlling even when I didn't realize I was! It is a process, remember, and it may be surprising sometimes, but being aware of our actions is so important, so we can become better people!! Compassion is one thing I learned for the alcoholic here, and I never ever thought I would be capable of learning that, as mad as I was in the beginning.
)