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 reading for today, June 25 speaks about Step Six--. Becoming entirely ready to have HP remove our defects of character.
The reading defines the defects of characters as roadblocks that keep us stranded-- not able to freely travel life's magnificent Boulevard.
The reading and goes on to detail the destructive power of self-pity, resentment and anger that ensures we focus all our energy and time assuring ourselves that there was nothing in life for us and so we could spend all our time focusing on these negative thoughts and no time on growing.
It suggests that HP removes our defects by helping us see them at work , and getting in the way of our everyday life.
By keeping the focus on ourselves we can readily see the results of self-pity so instead we can turn to HP and honestly ask for help to restore our joy and confidence.
I do love the reminder for the day that suggests that because I am not perfect, the character defects. I carried around for many years will not vanish instantly, but with faith and hope I can work my way through them."
And the quote your today is from C.R. Findley; "God seldom delivers virtues all wrapped in a package and ready for use. Rather, he puts us in situations where by his help we can develop these virtues".
I found that working Step Six, I became" entirely ready "by simply continuing to work my program:, show up at meetings, call my sponsor, use the slogans, writing a gratitude and asset list daily, and most importantly working the 11th Step- praying and meditating to ask for HP's will. Keeping the focus on myself, did finally allow me to see my destructive behavior at work and how it was hurting me-- I then became ready to ask for HP to help.
I must admit that my magical thinking prior to program, expected my virtues to be wrapped in a beautiful bow and pretty wrapping paper and handed to me on a silver platter-- I did not expect to have to work for it so hard.. I am truly grateful to the Al-Anon tools in program for allowing me to live in reality and face life on life's terms.
thank you Betty, for your share and insight on this.
I take comfort in knowing that at least some of my defects of character helped me when I was in survival mode--and the flip side of the defects are positive assets that help me now in thriving, rather than surviving mode.
Today's daily for me reminds me that I came here full of anger, resentments, crazy thinking and a doom/gloom attitude and approach. I felt very alone as those closest to me had 'betrayed me' in my way of thinking.
While learning about the program and embracing the steps, concepts, etc. I realize now that I view powerlessness, humility and relying on another/others as weaknesses.
I sit here today humble and full of gratitude that my HP and those who came before helped me realize the distortions in my thinking. Most of what I hoped for was outside my control. Most of what I wished for was based in fantasy. And most of what I thought about was distorted.
My HP, through Step 6 gave me the freedom to be me, learn and grow as me and love others in spite of our differences. Each day when I remain open, I am reminded of all that I've been blessed with. Each day, when I remain humble, I am given opportunities to continue my growth and practice this program and principals in my affairs.
I too am so very grateful for all that this program offers. It's up to me how I embrace and use the program and that's pretty cool too!
Thanks, as always Betty for the daily and the ESH! Your wisdom is also anticipated each morning - (((Hugs))) for all you do!
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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
. I am truly grateful to the Al-Anon tools in program for allowing me to live in reality and face life on life's terms.