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.
This reading speaks to the sanity as described in step two: 'came to believe a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity'. The writer acknowledges that insanity for many of us is holding on to the defects within us. Not that the defects themselves- jealousy, resentment, anger, are defects; rather- holding on to them when we are aware we can let go and receive guidance from our HP is the insanity.
For me, insanity includes persisting on thinking my will is the way to go. When I am working a strong program, reading, working with my sponsor, going to meetings- these are the ways I am restoring my sanity. The quote from the Forum at the end of this reading includes the idea that surrender to our HP includes acknowledging that our HP can do for us what we are unable to do for ourselves- as we come to rely on that power we are restored to sanity.
I know that I can get in my own way when I am stubbornly going forward with only my own will in charge. When I recognize that my HP is my guidance I am on my way to restoring sanity.
Hi Mary Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this important reading. The Steps, especially Step 2 , "Came to believe that a Power Greater than myself could restore me to sanity", took time for me to accept but once I did "find that Power, I readily embraced the Step and HP and felt the effect deep within. Meetings, sponsor the slogans all helped in ths process.
Thanks for your service.
Thanks Mary for your service today and your ESH! You too Betty - insanity for me was constant, persistent and ever present before this program. I feel as if I walked around with a bulls-eye on my back, and I was constantly waiting for 'what they were going to do to me'.....it was just an awful way to exist! I didn't just carry within me every negative emotion possible, I wore them constantly like layers of clothing. My entire outlook, attitude and disposition was filled with negative energy and self-defeat as the disease always seems a step/two ahead of me.
For me to embrace that a HP could and would restore me to sanity, I had to truly embrace being powerless over the disease and the diseased. Once I was able to accept what they did, how they were and where they were was beyond my hula-hoop, I was more ready to believe a power greater than me could restore me to sanity. Working this program one day at a time to the best of my ability helps me stay grounded in the positives of living a spiritual life. I too must read the literature, talk with my sponsor attend meetings and work these steps to maintain my serenity and spiritual place.
I am grateful I no longer have to crazily seek the cause and solution for all that's wrong. I am grateful I was able to release the blame/shame game from my life and I am beyond grateful to know and feel that God carries me each day to be the best I can be and do the next right thing.
Make it a great Tuesday ladies!! (((Hugs))) to 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
Good morning ladies. Thank you for your share, Mary. (((Mary)))
IAH made a great point, that I need to remember. 'I am grateful I no longer have to crazily seek the cause and solution for all that's wrong." That's one of my biggest hurdles right now...trying to make sure everyone is happy and secure. I need to let go of that. I am not in control, and I'm not responsible for everyone's happiness. I need to work on my happiness and security.
Thank you for the reminder. Make it a beautiful day.
