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 talks about the 4th step and how it gives us an opportunity to heal and replenish ourselves from the depletion that happens as a result of alcoholism. A Fourth Step inventory illuminates our empty spaces and shortcomings. This doesn't have to be a painful or scary experience nor do we have to pass judgement on an empty shelf. If we don't take the time to become aware of the void, we will not do anything to fill it and the problem will continue.
By taking inventory, empty spots can be filled with the help of the remaining steps. The steps help us cure and do differently to avoid pain in the future.
Today's Reminder - When I can't find a solution to a problem, when I have nagging doubts, fears, or frustrations, when I feel lost or confused, a searching and fearless moral inventory of myself can make a tremendous difference. Whenever I work the Steps, I tell my Higher Power that I am willing to heal, to find a solution, to feel better. The energy that would have been dumped into worry, tears, and obsession can be turned into positive action.
The quote is from Freedom From Despair - "We all wish good things to happen to us, but we cannot just pray and then sit down and expect miracles to happen. We must back up our prayers with action."
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I am short on time this morning as I have 2 little ones and am so not used to that aspect of my awakening! All I know is many of my habits, patterns, thoughts, etc. were bleak and negative and 'stuck'.....when I worked the steps, each step brought me a new awareness and a new peace. As we say, more has been revealed and that continues. As I am ready, God shows more and more about the beauty of the world, the beauty of me as well as the journey I am on.
Happy Friday MIP Family - 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
Step Four was a challenging one for me. Not because I couldn't see my own faults, but because I spent my time focusing on what I could have / should have done differently much of the time. Step four helped me to realize that I was putting too much importance on myself and my actions, and that I needed to be much gentler with myself. The fact that forgiveness applied to me, too, was amazing. It helped me to get unstuck, realize when I was wrong, apologize, forgive myself, let it go, and move on.
Thank you for sharing this morning, Iamhere!
Have a wonderful day everyone!
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Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Happy Friday IAH. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on this important topic.
When I first entered program and considered looking deep within myself,I could not do so in a "fearless' manner(as the 4th Step suggests). I was so "other" directed that the thought of shining a light on my thoughts and actions seemed overwhelming. I truly believed that the actions of others were completely to blame for my unhappiness and so they had to changee .
My sponsor gently suggested that I take the time to examine my motives so as to discover any possible defect I might be using to hurt myself . Wow !! what an eye opener !! I discovered that my motives were questionable and that even when I acted in a kind and generous manner, I was doing so to manipulate others and have them like me or do for me in the future I had strings attached to my actions.
Alanon provided me with the tools to let go of these destructive attitudes so I could learn to give freely with no thought of getting and my compassion, empathy, courage and kindness blossomed.
I love this program and today I can look within without fear because today I accept that I am an imperfect human being and am growing and changing. Thanks alanon .
Thanks for your ESH Betty and the well wishes with the grandbabies! It's been a while since I was faced with a smiling baby boy @ 5:30am!!! ROFL!!
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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
Thanks Iamhere, it is a good reminder that we have to keep taking an inventory. Sometimes things are so hidden underneath years of denial and putting other people's needs before your own. It has to be an effort, it won't just happen until you make priorities. I really needed this reminder.
THank you Iamhere. When I read this step. This most defiantly one that I think how am I doing to do this. Clearly not there yet. Thank you for pointing out it is possible.
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When it Rains, Look for Rainbows. When it's Dark, Look for Stars-unknown
Keep working it at your pace and 'more will be revealed'.....you will know when it's time to look deeper into yourself and it will be as it's supposed to be!!
Thanks for the shares all - the boys are coming over again tomorrow for another sleepover! I am excited for them to come....I need a bit more energy though it seems!!
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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
