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.
C2C continues to speak about how our attitudes can change, so we can live with serenity and wisdom
The reading for today 12-27 speaks about keeping an open mind so that, by listening to the ideas of others and sharing opinions, we can grow in wisdom and see that there are various ways of looking at life.
It suggests that we need to accept that it is not important to be" right "all the time and that we are all entitled to our opinions . Allowing others to keep their opinions and not waste my time trying to change their mind is extremely important, In this way I give respect to others because I believe in myself and I do not have to invalidate anyone else to validate my own ideas.
Quote is from Voltaire "Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege or doing so too"
Powerful end of the year reminders I know before program I had a closed mind, thought I was always right never listened to anyone's because my mind did not let new ideas in. How wrong I was. Sitting at meetings where I could not cross talk, helped me to "listen to learn" not judge and how grateful I am
Thanks Betty for the daily! This is the one that reminds me - Would I rather be right? Or would I rather be happy? I chose B - I'd rather be happy. I was so relieved when I came to Al-Anon and realized that I was not the only one who tried endlessly to explain, rationalize and justify all the 'things' I did to help and/or fix my qualifier. Looking back, I can 'see' what a waste of energy, effort, time and sanity it was, but in the moment it seemed like the right choice.
I am grateful too that so many smarter than I in this program explained to me that I can use all that I gain in this program beyond my home and qualifiers. I had a good Christmas and it's mostly because I chose to. I opted to not take things personally, look for the good, do more listening than talking, accept others exactly as they are, JADE (not justify, argue, defend, explain)....and many more that just aren't popping front in my head.
It can still be sad for me to watch my sons make choices that align with the disease/danger. I've done a million serenity prayers for them and believe that God will lead them if/when they are wanting to follow.
This reading also reminds me that we are all equals and we are all human. I have made mistakes and will continue to do so. That's because I am imperfectly designed to be an equal and not better or worse. I need to apply this same view to all I encounter as they too are human doing their best with what they have. The ability to accept another exactly as they are in this moment has been a gift beyond words. I cherish each of you and this program each time I feel grateful. I would not be where I am if not for those who came before me and kept an open mind to accept those like me who were so lost and broken.
(((Hugs))) - thanks for the ESH too Betty!
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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
