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 December 30 speaks about the negative things that other people say and do and how not to allow this to destroy our peace of mind. . It points out that we have" choices "and if we do not allow ourselves to respond to the negative words of a sick person, we will not be giving our power away.
The reading suggests that many times we choose to engage because "unconsciously "we are getting something out of the process.
Many of us have felt like martyr's and our suffering brought us a lot of attention and pity. We also grew accustomed to blaming others for our problems and avoided taking responsibility for our own lives.
We benefited negatively from these defects, but eventually they are no longer worth the price.
The reading goes on to say that there is a beautiful person within US.- No need to build an identity around suffering.
I am learning to let that person out and stop hiding behind a cloak of suffering. I don't want to miss any of the wonderful opportunities available to me to live grow and enjoy
The quote is from Martha Washington; "the greatest part of our health, happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances.
Before working the program and the Steps I was completely unaware of my habit of "blaming" others so that I did not even look for a fault within myself,(I was perfect after all) and I therefore saw myself as a victim or everyone's action How wrong I was!!! Thanks to the Steps I uncovered all my negative coping toolsand replaced them with honesty, clarity kindness and compassion. What a huge difference !!!
Thank you Betty for the daily! I went to my F2F today and we read this and it is a good read for me. I am glad that the holiday season is over and I am ready for the new year.
I have been working hard to not let others affect my serenity. It's been a busy time with my parents and we've seen lots of family....they leave tomorrow. I will miss them but am ready to return to my normal. I have had enough family and holiday for a bit!!!
I am one that believes my attitude and outlook are the drivers in how my day is going to be/go. Al-Anon has given me many tools to fix my attitude if I am in a bad place. I am grateful for that and can say that most days are good if I start my day the program way.
I love that I can choose peace and choose a different way than how I used to be, act and think.
Hope everyone had a great day!
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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
