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.
The Courage to Change reading for April 29 speaks about holding onto guilt and shame. It points out that many members have grown up in an alcoholic home, and because of this are very familiar with harsh criticism and constant fear. We tend to react with guilt and exaggerate the significance of any error that we might make.
Al-Anon asks that to see ourselves more realistically. That by working the Steps we learn to see ourselves as valuable imperfect human beings with many assets and shortcomings. We do make mistakes and as long as we learn from these mistakes, we grow in courage serenity and wisdom . We are not evil.
Al-Anon also asks us to look at ourselves objectively, own our part in a situation and learn from the mistakes we might make. If necessary we are asked to also make amends for any harm.we might have done. This process eliminates the guilt and shame of past mistakes.
The thought for the day. Reminds us that; chaining ourselves to the past with guilt or shame is a destructive self-defeating activity. If we face our pasts, own it, t we can grow forward into a richer lives.
The quote is from John Lilly. "You don't have to suffer continual chaos in order to grow,"
Good reminder to help put things in the right perspective. I have found guilt and shame to just be a distortion, and not helpful at all to inspire real change in myself. In fact, they give me the excuse to not change at all, because they tell me I can't change and things won't get better. Thanks everyone for sharing.
