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.
today's reading is about accepting other people for who they are; not expecting change in others but learning to change our own behavior as needed. The reading begins with the writer describing how difficult it has been to talk openly and honestly wits family members. Speaking up about certain things or deciding to disengage entirely is a frightening propsition.
I can relate to this one, having grown up in a very big and loud family. There has always been a lot of unconditioral love and support which of course is very positive. The other side of it is there also was a feeling that certain ideas in the family were 'right'. And one did not challenge those! In terms of the disease, I have realized that I cannot worry over who may or may not have a drinking problem in my family. I can only take care of myself and as the last sentence declares: 'truly profound power and peace lie in the ability to change my behavior to suit my needs.'
the thought for the day is one I will focus on today- "with the help of al-anon, I can accept people as they are and find serenity, even if I'm the only one who changes."
Thanks Mary for this meditation. Learning how to "Accept" others , respond appropriately while validating myself has been a true gift of this program.
Keeping the focus on myself,treating everyone with courtesy and respect works in all my interactions
Thanks for your service .
Thanks Mary, Betty for sharing on this topic. This is such fundamental pillar of my program and essential piece of my recovery. For so long I sought happiness by trying to align the thinking of others with my "correct" view. AlAnon helped me see how this was the cause of the insanity in my life and unhappiness in myself and those I was trying to change. So grateful to the program for the wisdom and guidance to travel a new path that focuses on what I can change
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
