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.
Today's reading discusses arrival at Step 7 in our program, Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Many of us stumble on the word humble or humbly thinking that we did not need to be more humble! We often assumed we had been more than humble by putting others needs before our own constantly. However, our program suggests we may be confusing humility with humiliation. Humility does not mean begging for mercy. Real humility is the ability to see my true relationship to God and to my fellow human beings.
Many of us stumble again at the second word ASK... We often are at a point where we do not ask anyone for anything, not realizing that our knowledge and experience is limited. We learn in the program that we do not have all the answers, and that's perfectly fine - we don't need to have them all. We can ask for help!
Lastly, the program asks us to consider shortcomings in a different way. Many of us came to this step thinking we didn't have any/many as our distorted views may limit this to things such as crimes, faults, sins or mistakes. We can instead consider shortcoming as any element of ones' self that blocks us from growing and reaching our full potential and keeps us from the sunlight of the spirit.
Today's Reminder --- There are many things that I can do to improve my life and to further my recovery, but I cannot heal myself. Today I can ask for help in becoming free of all that blocks me from my true self.
Today's Quote --- "If my problems have brought me to prayer, then they have served a purpose."
I am one who confused humility with humiliation often and viewed the word humble as 'weak'. In the program, I was taught that being humble just means being open and teachable. When I consider, read or hear the word, my attitude is such today that I try to determine if I am open to learning and being all that I can be. I am so grateful that the program has taught me I am an imperfect human not expected to know and be all for everyone. All that is truly important in my day is an open mind, an open heart and a willingness to act in ways that move me forward to the best person I can be.
Thank you Al-Anon and MIP for the gift of the program and tools. Without the steps to propel me in growth, my spiritual experience would be so limited. Happy Thursday all - make it 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
Great Step and share. I too confused humility with humiliation and am so pleased that alanon pointed the way to an understanding that humility simply means that I finally accept that " I can not, He can, I will let Him". The key concept in this explanation is that I have accepted the fact that I am powerless and human and HP can.
Thanks for your service. I do hope that you are continuing to recover.
-- Edited by Iamhere on Sunday 31st of January 2021 01:08:41 PM
Hey Betty - I am good.....better and better each day! I thank you for the well wishes....and must admit - am still jealous of the beach!!!
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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
