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 only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is in how you use them ODAT pg 185.
I personally choose to look at lifes difficulties as a way to learn and solve problems. I believe that each obstacle is a proven way to learn a better way of living.Never been one to sit and suffer, rather find as many ways to understand the situation and seek help and then fly on my own.Alcoholism has definitely given me a run for my money.I was able to sit and suffer, find ways to understand and seek help for myself, via MIP and Al-anon, but it has proved difficult for me to fly on my own, but it is okay!!If I have to work the 12 steps for the rest of my life it beats sitting and suffering!!Its a comforting thought that nobody can put stumbling blocks in my way because Im learning how to use them to step on as I progress to a saner way of living.
Theres no discounting the troubles caused by alcoholism theyre big and terrifying. But I can refuse to let them block my path. I can imagine that each is one of the Twelve Steps.
Have a great Thursday!!
__________________
"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it
does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart". ~ unknown
Nice post Debb - great ESH too! You and I process similarly - I am always looking for a solution that is program proper.....I don't like to dwell or sit in the middle of the muck for too long. My brain is such that if I allow things to fester without action, I can take a lovely day with a less-than-pleasant experience, and make the whole day ugly in my own head.
So, I too don't sit and dwell on anything too long. Around here, we usually will say that if you spend more than 15 minutes 'stuck' in the problem, you should talk about it (sponsor), write about it (step work) and pray about it (HP trust/turn-over). I truly have found this to be a great way to work on the solution vs. living in the problem.
Thanks for the great share and your ESH! You too have a marvelous Thursday!!
__________________
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
Interesting topic. Prior to program I can honestly say that I dreaded stumbling blocks and either pretended they didn't exist, kicked them out of my way and developed, a hidden resentment and anger that I was subjected to problems. After all, in my mind, I was perfect and should never have to endure anything but joy and happiness.
With that attitude, my stumbling blocks were viewed as problems caused by others, and not learning experiences..
Entering Al-Anon, I was given the 12 steps and different principles in which to live my life. Changed attitudes can aid recovery and I was pleased to discover that I now viewed problems in a different light.
I even was able to see the power of my God in the problems of my past I had not been abandoned, but had been guided to a new and different path.
I must say I did not find turning stumbling blocks into steppingstones an easy task. It was a process and one that required that I shed my magical thinking, stop blaming others and one day at a time , dedicate to working this program, set my principles right , and then I was rewarded with this wonderful gift.
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