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.
I just realized my plans tomorrow are a bit earlier than I planned for, so am posting the daily for tomorrow tonight.
The reading tomorrow discusses how we change, grow and expand in recovery. We are able to learn from criticism from others, and we can remain open to hearing what others have to say. We come to realize and learn that our true value is not about popularity or pleasing others. It's enough to exist, breathe and live best we can, as we are.
Al-Anon tools, fellowship, steps and sponsorship can help us find our courage to learn about our selves, our needs and wants. As we 'grow up in public', determine our likes and dislikes, what are dreams and choices really are, we are able to risk other people's disapproval. We also can honor others when they choose to be themselves, whether we like it or not.
Today's reminder -- With the help of a loving sponsor and the support of my fellow Al-Anon members, I am learning to find my place in this world -- a place where I can live with dignity and self-respect.
Today's quote from Walt Whitman -- "I exist as I am, that is enough, if no other in the world be aware I sit content, and if each and all be aware I sit content."
I heard the term "growing up in public" early in recovery and thought it to be a strange phrase. However, as time went on I better understood it. I came here broken, sad, hopeless and feeling as if the world was out to get me. I had trust issues, had no clue how to self-serve and certainly judged others as I ASSumed they were judging me.
With my sponsor and this program, I learned about being human. I learned that the program supports progress, not perfection. The program suggests I do my best each day, accept I am imperfect and too allow others to be the same - imperfectly human. I learned that happiness is an inside job, and I can choose to be moving forward or moving backwards.
I have learned to look for my truth and to stop reading between the lines. I've learned to trust my HP and to live and let live. There is something to be learned each day if I am open to the messages around me, and the only person I need to be true to is me. What others think and/or say about me no longer has power over me - I'm growing in esteem and confidence all by keeping the focus on me.
I'm grateful for MIP, my program friends, my sponsor and Al-Anon. I do feel as if I have been set free from worrying about what others think of me and how they are/are not doing what I think they should be doing. My favorite lesson in the program has been being able to stay out of the middle of other people's insanity. It's not my job to fix, please, placate or resolve.
(((Hugs))) to all - make Thursday a great day!
__________________
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
This is a great reminder/ I know that I was so terrified to look within when I first entered program -- afraid of what I might find out about myself because I did not have the ability to "fix me" .
Alanon said-- nonsense looking within is like a Department Store that takes inventory so as to see what they have in stock and what needs to be removed in order fro the business to thrive.
How great is that!!
Alanon gave me the tools (The Steps, slogans, sponsor and HP ) to look at myself objectively and let go of the negative destructive tools I developed as the result of interacting with this disease My self esteem soared and I can now see that I am worthy human being - worthy of love,respect and HP guidance. Thank you al anon .
Thank you IAH for your rservice and have a great day.
