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 August 13 reading in the Courage to Change talks about placing people on a pedestal and thinking that they know all the answers and then becoming disappointed when they fail us and prove they are all too human.
When they make a mistake or they fail we become devastated and confused The reading points out that that the tools of recovery are available to all of us. It is extremely important that we share our experience strength and hope and hope with each other and that we understand that although our sponsors do share with us.they are not infallible. Or perfect or perfect . We must learn that setting other human beings up to be perfect, creates inevitable failure.
The quote is from sponsorship what's it all about"Sponsorship is a friendship made up of two members learning from one another to people learning a new way of life one day at a time.
I love that Al-Anon is a fellowship of equals, where we each share our experience strength and hope and learn from each other. This learning occurs when we are honest, open and willing, and what a gift that is
Thanks Betty for your service, ESH and the daily! I too have put others on pedestals, and it does result often in disappointment, sadness, anger or another negative emotion. In Al-Anon, I truly embraced the concept of all equal - nobody is greater than or less than me. I may have different strengths and weaknesses than them, but we are destined through a higher plan to compliment each other and be at peace.
The program has given me the tools to look at me when I don't feel equal. I have steps to understand who I am and what I can do/be. No where in the steps or life lessons have I been empowered to be better than or less than another. My sponsor is so gracious to share her fears with me and her humanism often. We talk about our crazy thoughts, our fears and so many other things - it makes it so much easier to be real.
Have a marvelous Saturday MIP family! I am off to a F2F meeting in a short while and then will be cooking most of the day - my AH left the freezer open last night and we got many things that thawed out.....not part of my plan but at least, I enjoy cooking! 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
