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 C2C reading for June 14 continues the discussion on the Steps so that it offers some powerful insights into the 12th Step.
The reading points out that after completing the Steps we realize what a wonderful gift the program truly is. It offers us an understanding of the disease, the tools to change our lives, the courage to use them and a place to talk about my secrets with others who will share their's ,with a promise to maintain anonymity.
The 12 th step also suggests that after working the Steps, we will have a spiritual awakening and that we can then carry this message to others and practice these principles in all our affairs.
This Step is subtle and today I realize that if we practice these principles in all our affairs we will be living examples and the message will be carried.
The reading suggests that it is natural to want to share what works for us with others, but if we must share it now. It may be that we are trying to control another. We can work on improving the message that our own example that our own example conveys one day at a time.
The quote is from Teresa of Avila; "we ought not to insist on everyone following in our footsteps, not to take upon ourselves to give instruction in spirituality,when perhaps we do not even know what it's".
Powerful quote and reminder to not give advice, to mind my own business and to treat everyone with courtesy and respect. I am always amazed at the change in reaction of my family of origin to my attitudes and actions. For years we were at odds, and today, by placing these principles above personalities. I am able to be kind, generous and supportive instead of argumentative and controlling.
I know that when I first came to program and saw the steps, the 12th step convinced me to work all of the others. They promised me something I knew I did not have--- a spiritual awakening. Thank you Al-Anon
In fact I am going out of town on Monday and will not be back until Friday AM . I am praying that someone here on MIP willd agree to post these small messages while I am out of town. Was going to post the request later today but jumped in because of your share I know Mary usuallyposts on Monday
My prayers for a safe trip - enjoy the break....you deserve it!!
I need to read today's....then I'll be back! (a bit behind today, but it's all good)
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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
Goodness - what a busy morning ---- productive though!
I loved today's reading. I am one who still wants to 'fix' pain and 'lead' horses to water.....so - directing me back to leading by example was spot on.
About a week ago, I was in a meeting that just did not go well (business meeting....not support meeting). I left and prayed and kept trying to figure my part out. The answer I got back was to listen more and share less. So, I spoke with my sponsor and she suggested I try to just listen for a solid week instead of share/think about the share/focus on what to say, etc.
What an interesting and positive experience to know I am attending to listen only. I think I heard everything better than ever before!
So - I had a lesson in humility this week that was priceless and this reading really wraps up my week nicely. I still struggle with determining what is parenting (unconditional love) vs. preaching with my boys, so it's a perpetual lesson in active listening and head nodding.
Have a great rest of day ladies - I hope to!!!
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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
