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.
C2C 4-`12 reading for today stresses the importance of patience as we work the Al-Anon program. It points out that without patience ,we resort to trying to fix ourselves in a hurry and when that doesn't work, we then begin the destructive self criticism and blame routine that we find in our tool box.
. The suggestion is that many times the best we can do is simply to surrender except the discomfort and pray for guidance.
Today's reminder goes on to state willpower cannot eliminate in a day troubles that have taken root and flourished in my life for decades. Things take time.
I loved the tool that my sponsor gave me early on in program. She told me that patience can be acquired by letting go of self-will. I tried it and it worked. When I turned my will and life over to HP as in the third step, all the serenity and wisdom that I need is supplied and that I do not have to rush the process.
The quote for today is from Confucius; "you cannot create a statue by smashing the marble with a hammer and you cannot, by force of arms. Release the spirit or the soul of man."
For me this reading , sums up the whole process of recovery. It is is progress not perfection that I seek. When I reflect back on my journey, I remembered that my automatic negative thoughts,( ANTS )were always just that--- they were my automatic responses to situations in my life. With this program. I have learned to not be on automatic and my automatic negative thoughts are no longer encased in my consciousness or subconscious. They do fly overhead and I have a choice. I can pick up my Al-Anon tools and principles or I can choose my negative reactions. With progress not perfection. I do not beat myself up. When I use my old destructive tools. Today I know I have different choices and the grateful.
Betty i really appreciate that you post the c2c readings. I have been searching for an e version for my tablet with no luck.
This reading reminds me to take it slow and to be okay with progress. Progress needs to be my goal, Not perfection. That andhaving oatience are two very hard things for me so the reminder that we cant undue a lifetime of struggles overnight.
Thank you for taking the time to post these readings. . S
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When all else fails...there is Faith, Hope and Prayer.
Reminds me of that old adage, "Patience is a Virtue" ........
Our real blessings often appear to us in the shape of pains, losses and disappointments; but let us have patience and we soon shall see them in their proper figures. ~Joseph Addison
Thank you Betty!!
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"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it
does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart". ~ unknown
I was trying to force my marital bond to go away
I still struggle with it, it is still very strong in me.
It brings tears to my eyes even thinking about it.
The harder I tried the worse i felt so i stopped. I
Was trying to force my recovery too.
My forth step workbook sits next to me. I am still
in divorce fog so i just Need to be gentle and patient
with myself. i was trying to force my will again To be
more ready than i was. I thought it would Help me
Letting go quicker and less painful. It will happen in
Gods time not mine.
