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 August 7 speaks about the last three steps--- 10,11 and 12. It suggests that occasionally some members think of these as maintenance steps, but since we do not want to stagnate, it is best to think of them as growth steps. That no matter how old we get these last three steps let us continue to challenge ourselves.
The steps of course, are : continuing to take personal inventory, prayer and meditation while asking for HPs will , and lastly honoring our spiritual awakening, carrying the message to others and practicing these principles in all our affairs.
The reminder for the day says that with the help of the steps we I need never be stuck again.
The quote is from a Chinese proverb:be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still..
I do believe that prior to program I was standing still-- I thought I knew it all , I closed my mind to any new information and kept repeating the same thing expecting different results.
Thank you Al-Anon for teaching me how to have an open mind, and to trust HP. What a difference this has made in my life.
I share your sentiment as I look back at myself; I thought I was growing but in fact was just collecting material that reinforced my existing opinions. I regularly engaged in the frustrating and fruitless endeavor of trying to "grow" others. When I was unhappy with an outcome, it was because they didn't adjust.
It has been incredible to see and feel the changes in my life as I reduce (ongoing process) my attempts to direct and control others, and focus my attention on making changes myself. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and the wisdom of AlAnon.
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thank you Betty for today's reading, reaching those last three steps meant a lot to me, because it was the culmination of a newly learned and accepted thought process that helped me and others live a more realistic and purposeful life.
__________________
"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it
does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart". ~ unknown
I really like today's reading and thank you Betty for your post & ESH! Thanks also to Paul & Debbie for insight/ESH!
I wrote about this just yesterday that I am hopeful to continue to learn each and every day. I too came here thinking I knew 'it all'.....boy - was I a shallow person in so many areas!
I love that this program really teaches us how to detach and love unconditionally. I am so grateful that we can be happy and mentally healthy in spite of what is going on around us.
Before program, I would end my day in a worried way - concerned about this, that and the other. Now, I can actually ponder MY day - what was pleasant, what was not pleasant, how I behaved, how I acted, treated others and what I did for self-care. It's a positively great way to take a mini inventory each evening!
Love you all and love this program!
__________________
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
