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 March 20 speaks about the fourth Step Guide:"Blueprint for Progress" . It points out that this book focuses on defining our self-worth while we are taking a searching and fearless moral inventory.
Many times we will find that we have judged our value on the basis of our accomplishment or what other people think of us. Step 4 suggests that we look at ourselves completely and that part of our self-worth can be based on our ability to love other people by saying a kind word, writing a considerate note or just taking time out in my thoughts to appreciate another person. This enriches my day.
Regardless of the fact that others validate my worthiness,paying someone a complement , thanking them, sincerely for their kindness, may be the nicest thing I can do for myself today.
The quote is from Abraham Lincoln; "is difficult to make a man miserable while he feels worthy of himself and claims kindred to the great God who made him."
I must be careful about taking these action . As the reading suggests, in and of themselves they are great expressions of love and kindness. I must be examine my motives and make sure I am not saying these things just to sound good or impress others (one of my many defects).
By working these Steps I have developed a genuine caring and deep appreciation of others and can express it naturally Thank you alanon.
I love that the Blueprint for Progress stresses looking for our assets as well as what we are doing to hurt ourselves.
It certainly is through. I often discounted the positives, thinking "oh that does not count"-- Alanon impressed the importance of witnessing to the positive assets that I had so I could build on them . Powerful program
Thank you Betty for today's daily and your ESH. Motives for me are powerful.....it took me a long while to realize that while fear drove many of my actions & reactions, my motives were selfish before the program. I wanted others to change to match my idea of how life should be. I just wanted them to stop doing what they were doing so I could be happy. I could go on and on and on and on....
This program through the fourth step gave me the freedom to be and do just because it was the next right thing. Not because society expected it or it would get me attention or it would make others like me or respect me or admire me or .... - I am now free to be and do what makes sense for my day, my life, my future and my program.
The more I work on me, the less the actions of others affect my serenity. The program and steps gave me back my self-worth and my power to live in my own truth, not blame others for my lot in life and to choose to enjoy each and every moment - even the painful ones.
I struggle at times to put into words the freedom I feel as a result of working on me and working this program. The tools provided and the support and fellowship are at the top of my gratitude list each and every day. I can look in the mirror today and hold my head high knowing that I'm doing the best I can each day to be the best version of me!
(((Hugs))) 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
