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.
More of the same gets more of the same. What we were given to practice, we practiced. What we practiced, we became. What we became, we are continuing to become - only more so - every day of our lives. We can do ourselves a favor by being aware of what we practice. Has the past taught us to withdraw? Think of how isolated we'll be twenty years from now! Have we practiced generalized distrust? Imagine how deep the roots of fear are growing.
But there's another side to that truth. If we practice finding beauty today, we'll find twice as much beauty tomorrow. If we work on forgiveness today, tomorrow we may be free of resentments. If we choose to relate rather than isolate, we can walk with friends through all the years that stretch before us. What will the future bring us? Whatever we have invested in it.
I pray for the wisdom to see my future as largely the work of my own hands and heart. I pray for the courage to take responsibility for choosing my own direction.
The Al-Anon way through the steps have taught me this and so much more. All I had to do was open my heart and mind and the rest fall into place.
Happy Hump Day!!
__________________
"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it
does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart". ~ unknown
Dear Debb, thank you for sharing this wisdom. I know before program , I did believe this philosophy and tried repeatedly to change my thinking, with positive affirmations, and denial and pretend, but those tools did not work because I had not changed, I had just masked over my true feelings and reality. I was talking the talk but could not walk the walk
As you pointed out, the Al-Anon Steps are the answer to changing the future by behaving differently in the present,
Making the decision, to practice the principles of this program in all my affairs, staying conscious and having the courage to walk through the pain, slowly but surely. I found my negative go to defects lifted and replaced by courage, compassion, empathy and self-respect. What a gift this program has been.
Debb - thanks also for the post. I needed a reminder this morning of who is truly in charge, and it's not me...
Happy Hump day back @ ya!!
__________________
Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
