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.
Good morning, Debb, this is indeed a powerful tool that I currently use very often. I can always remember the first time that I did not just say the words in my head, but actually felt them within my heart.
I cannot remember the incident, but it was at my breaking point in trying to control outcomes. I felt as if I was standing on the edge of the cliff looking over a vast drop and that I was helpless. I felt if I let go of control, the alcoholics would then be in control and I would be completely destroyed. That still small voice within whispered, that's not true, simply let go and trust.
I did" let go" with much trepidation and wonder of wonders, I did not hit bottom, but felt the warm embrace of HP reaching out and instilling courage, serenity and wisdom within me.
Fortunately ,I was not destroyed, the alcoholic did not gain control, but did seek sobriety and I had attained the first of many spiritual experiences.
Thanks for the topic Debb
I admit that this was a slogan I was reluctant to use when I first came to AlAnon. I always saw it as a cop-out, a lazy approach to solving problems. But after I admitted the futility of trying to "fix" alcoholism in my qualifier and developed a healthy concept of a higher power, Let Go Let God took became a powerful reminder of the fundamental Steps 1-3.
ODAT p. 163 was especially helpful in allowing me to see the important difference in how this slogan can be used. It is not a recommendation to simply ignore my challenges, but a recognition that I need guidance from a power greater than myself to handle them in a manner that allows me to maintain my serenity. I no longer have to feel responsible for solving every problem that I perceive.
I am so grateful for the wisdom of AlAnon, and for your shares @Debb and @Betty
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
As the layers of my willfulness slowly fell away, I realized this slogan is the center of my idea of recovery. It's not up to me. I can't. I shouldn't. My role is to trust God. It works so much better than my old path.
Thank You Debb. I am not new to this slogan. I have been taught to hand all your problems over to hp (who I call GOD), even my husbands disease..I did this many years ago, my biggest problem is I keep taking it back.. the letting go is the hardest part..obviously I didn't let it go ha! or I wouldn't be her right? HP and I have had many bouts with it. I am not sure it is a trust issue with me and HP or just my stubbornness to need to control the situation myself. The patience..Ha...something I have never been very good with. I was born a fixer...so after 55 years I have to learn to reverse this...and I know if I can just "LET GO , and Let God...I will start seeing the reverse...
This principle is one where I have to give myself a break, reminding myself of "progress, not perfection." In other words, why is letting go and letting God often my LAST response to a situation instead of the FIRST?
Especially when I consider that, when I do struggle through my own overthinking, analyzing, and trying to figure out how to manage outcomes, and settle in to complete surrender and trust of my HP, a strange thing comes over me.
Thanks Debb for the daily - Let Go and Let God... What a gift to learn and practice faith in a Higher Power greater than myself, whom I also call God. This slogan tells me that I am not alone, I am not in charge, I do not know better/best and if I surrender to that which is beyond my scope, all will be OK.
I too have taken 'it' back time and again, but the beauty of this program is that I have the tools to surrender over and over again until/unless it becomes more natural.
I am sitting here watching coverage of the Pope's visit to our country. The reporters are discussing the only persons without smiles are the secret service detail. When asked earlier this year about fear of what can/could happen being so close to the public, the Pope said that his life was entirely in the hands of God, why would he have fear? WOW - I never want to be pope but I admire and am in awe of his spiritual trust that gives him the freedom to be one among many, and without fear.
Happy Wednesday to one and 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
