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 8 is a discussion on Step six, which states : we become entirely ready to have HP remove our shortcomings. The reading suggests that there is great fear, surrounding this step because we are afraid that many of our characteristics will be lost and we dont know what will be left. It points out that the desire to heal and to change has brought us to this uncomfortable point because we are tired of the way we have been. HP is there to guide us when we are ready.
In step six. We need not change anything. We must simply prepare ourselves for the change.
The quote is from Orin Crane; Remind me each day that the race is not always to the Swift; that there is more to life than increasing its speed. Let me look upward onto the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well.
I must say that I became entirely ready to have my defects removed by continuing to attend meetings, work the first three steps daily and pray for HPs will constantly. Much to my amazement, I began to see how my defects were hurting me and then I was able to ask HP to lift them. Most blatant of these were my tendencies to gossip, blame, judge others and the use sarcasm.
Great reading today - and thanks for that and the ESH!
I love that the 6th step talks about, 'Entirely ready'..... Those who came before me knew that I can hold onto bad habits/defects like a cat on the edge of a pool - clawing all the way down! Knowing that this is a step that we get to live with and do repeatedly when we are 'left of center' is awesome - and reminds me of progress - not perfection.
I love my life and I stay close to my program with structure and practice. I've had a couple deaths this week which means support time for others and two funerals within 24 hours. Needless to say, I feel a bit sad for the loss, but also a bit anxious as I feel like I am behind and off-base. So - I've determined I need to work a bit on spontaneity as these unexpected events have left me feeling a bit lost based on my normal program work/tasks/efforts!
I am always amazed that my HP gives me very direct 'signs' on my next course of action. I've worked real hard to not expect too much of anything from my qualifiers. I need to work a bit harder on allowing myself to take breaks, when and as needed, so that I don't feel lost when I deal with real life issues well beyond my control.
Thanks for being here - hugs and peace to all!
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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
