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.
Good morning/afternoon all - sorry for the late daily - my morning has gone different than planned!
Today's reading talks about how we improve in our responses, relationships and intuition with recovery. We consider responding with kindness when we are uncertain because - why not? We also can accept, decline, agree or disagree with another's plans, opinions and more. I can treat others with courtesy and respect even when we have different points of view.
In recovery, we learn to honor our decisions without being defensive. This happens because we find our self-respect and self-worth in our journey. We can allow others to be unhappy with our choices and yet still be kind yet firm. We learn to respect other's rights to disagree and stick to our principles.
We all know relationships are complicated because people are complicated. Each human has their own ideas, values, hopes and dreams and it is natural that we are not aligned. If we use our recovery and journey in all our affairs, we come to realize each situation we encounter is for learning and growing.
Today's reminder --- Today I will try to view every conflict as an opportunity to heal. I will honor myself by responding with courtesy.
And the quote we see each and every day in Betty's signature --- "The highest form of wisdom is kindness." from The Talmud
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I am still a work in progress and relationships are the one area when I am still baffled at times. I am grateful for the growth I have in recovery as I have gotten much smarter about my reactions, responses and disagreements. The best gift of all - walking side by side all that I can with my HP - keeps me a bit more level-headed in times of trouble/challenge.
Recovery gives me all that I need to live my best life - it's my job to use the tools presented to learn, grow and change. Grateful for MIP, Al-Anon and all of you today - make it a great Thursday!
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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
Hi IAH , I too am a work in progress and with the tools of program that progress is "uphill." When I embraced the simple principle of treating everyone with courtesy and respect, I witnessed a fantastic positive change in all my interactions.
As I noted earlier, being a "work in progress", I look for progress not perfection and when I respond with indignation (as I did today) I look at the situation, see my part and learn the lesson.
Thanks for your service and I do hope you have had a lovely day
Thank you for sharing this, Iah, and you both for your honest shares. This is an area that I need to put some work in for sure...I have seen some improvement, but as I reflect I tend to go from warm to ice in an instant sometimes when things take an unexpected turn.
No excuses, I need to make it a point of focused effort to be aware of the way I respond to others. Unfortunately, it's those closest to me who feel that bite more than strangers, showing once again that it's a matter of refocusing for me, for if I can play nice with strangers and workmates, I most certainly can and should with those I am closer to.
Yes, grateful that it's progress and not perfection...hope you all had a good Thursday
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
