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.
Our reading notes that, in an attempt to survive in an alcohol affected environment, we may have developed ways to survive that no longer serve us well once away from the alcoholic, or upon learning healthier strategies in AlAnon. Or perhaps we took a well-intended action too far, too often, thus losing balance in our behavior.
Todays page reminds us that we can view our recognition of need for change in strategy as a victory, an indicator of our progress, rather than as confirmation that we are inherently flawed. There may have been utility in our strategy at one time, but now we are aware and making use of more healthy ways to handle things.
Todays quote: Sometimes, we must accept ourselves, defects and all, before those defects are removed. ~ In All Our Affairs
For so long I thought it was a change of circumstances and/or the alcoholic that would bring me a feeling of peace and access to serenity. Each day in AlAnon is a reminder that I hold the power to change everything I need to find serenity: my perspective. I am so grateful for the program
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Good morning Paul and thanks for your service, ESH and today's daily reflection. Before this program, I was a perfect example of the 'genuine desire to help a loved one can be exaggerated into a desperate need to fix another person'.....that line rings so true for me when I reflect on my progress in this program.
I sincerely wanted to help my qualifier(s). I had no malice whatsoever in my heart. I was often angered by their choices and actions, and even with the best of intentions, that anger came through in my tone/words. I could have been the poster child for the JADE slogan - I justified everything, argued anything, defended myself/intentions and explained it all countless times.
The program has given me the gift of growth through a spiritual approach and path for living. I am not in charge and I am powerless over others - what they say, do, act like or react like. When I am spiritual fit, I do feel as if I can handle anything, and can see my part in past drama fests and problem times. When I am less fit, I lean towards looking outward for answers/solutions/joy.
I love that I learned to accept that I am an imperfect human living in an imperfect world with other imperfect people. I believe today that we are all doing our best to survive or thrive and I am better able to use grace in my troubled moments. Awareness for me is powerful as it points towards that which I need to examine and possible let go of or work with the tools to change.
HP is in the driver's seat, and I'm just a passenger. And - that's perfectly lovely for me today!!
Make it 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
