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 reading for today discusses the first three steps of Al-Anon and how important they are as a spiritual foundation for the remaining steps. We are asked to focus and work on these three steps to help us be thorough and grounded before we move to Step 4, and search for our defects of character, wrongs, shortcomings, etc.
In the first three steps,, we admit the areas we are powerless over - such as alcoholism and other people - and we learn that a Power greater than ourselves has no limitations. We decide to place our will and our life in the hands of this Higher Power. These steps help us let go of burdens that were never ours to carry, and help us treat ourselves more kindly and more realistically.
Spending time on these steps of the program provide clarity and the freedom to begin Step 4 with less fear. As we move on to the later steps, we do so for our own well-being and growth. We begin a process that is immensely rewarding and we go forward under the guidance of a Higher Power. This enables us to be much more gentle with our recovery.
Today's Reminder --- The first three Steps are the cornerstone on which my program is built. No matter how long I have been in this program, I won't hesitate to touch base with the foundation of my spiritual health.
Today's Quote --- "I now have a goal I can see clearly and the program with which to work toward it. It is my guide - to self-improvement, comfort, and a better way of life." from The Dilemma of the Alcoholic Marriage
I've always been a good student and took pride in doing everything to the best of my ability in a timely manner. When I came to the program, a part of me thought my wellness and sanity would return faster if I worked the steps faster. The first few times I looked at Step 4, I did so with dread - I feared taking a deep look at 'my part'. A part of me still had stinking thinking, blaming all that had happened and where I was on others and their style. Each time I spoke with my sponsor about Step 4, she would ask a few questions, and then suggest I needed to spend more time on Steps 1-3.
These 3 steps truly are foundation steps for serenity. When I admit and accept that I am powerless, but another is leading with me all power, I feel as if everything is as it should be and all is well. I know today when I am troubled, I can go back and revisit these steps and restore my faith and sanity. I then can move forward using the program and steps to examine any area of my life to understand, grow and learn.
In my daily routine, I consider these each morning before I get too far in my day. My morning prayer is about leading me with your will, and reminding me I am powerless over people, places and things. I ask for a daily reprieve from the disease and all it brings. I was told early on that Steps 1-3 are simplified in --- I Came --- I Came to ---- I Came to Believe.
So grateful that Al-Anon has given me a program and the tools to have a better life, and hopefully the best life possible for me! Make it a great day all - (((Hugs)))...
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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
I love today's reading. I agree with your observations that it presents the perfect rationale for working the Steps in such a simple format.
I appreciate the fact that the reading suggests that we view" Working the Steps" as a great benefit to ourselves. We can let go of all the burdens that were never ours to carry and begin to "treat ourselves with kindness and more realistically."
We can then move on to the remaining Steps and will do so "for our own well-being," because we are searching out the actions and attitudes that we have that hurt us. A great reason for being able to work the Steps in a fearless mind set.
Thanks for your service IAH. Have a lovely day.
Happy Friday back at you
It's amazing isn't it? I was really loathe to begin step 4 the first time, and put it off for a long time, instead lingering over step 3 for months and months. But clearly that was where I needed to be and by the time I got to step 4, I was actually excited to be doing it. I guess because i was so confident in the program and in my HP by then. Instead of being about "facing up to how bad I am" it was about self acceptance and self forgiveness for me. I am far less defensive and I don't try to keep up a "mask" to hide who I am; I'm much more comfortable in my own skin because of it.
If you'd told me it was a positive step and that i'd enjoy it, I'd have said you were crazy!!
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If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see? (Lewis Caroll)
