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 daily discusses Step Ten - Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it. Step Ten is our daily reminder to let go of that which holds us back - judgment of others, inventory of others, etc. We are reminded to continue to take our own inventory instead of others.
Great questions are included in the daily - How can I grow today? What can I do by day's end to improve myself? Is there something I can learn? Is there some challenge I can meet? Is there some old tired fear I can walk through and be rid of? Is there some new happiness I can experience? Step ten reminds us to be honest with self, acknowledge our progress, admit our mistakes and recognize opportunities to grow today.
Today's reminder -- When I keep track of my inventory on a daily basis, I no longer have to fear that I will fall into that vague, hazy state in which denial so easily takes root. When I turn this inventory over to my Higher Power, I know that I am moving toward freedom.
Today's quote -- "A man should never be ashamed to own he has been in the wrong, which is but saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday." from Alexander Pope
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Before Al-Anon, I carried a continuous mental list of all who had harmed me and all that was wrong with others and the world. It made me bitter and forever stuck in the past or anxious about the past repeating itself for my future.
When I arrived, and those who came before me suggested I stay present and focus on One Day at a Time only, that made sense yet was difficult. With practice and encouragement, I improved at this with help from my Higher Power. As I worked the steps and had some sanity restored, the one day at a time concept became more natural. As I kept practicing what was suggested and worked on my relationship and trust in a power greater than me, it became logical to consider the day each evening.
The practice of reviewing my day for my successes and growing opportunities (Step 10) truly frees my mind to sleep better and start over upon awakening. I am grateful to the program, the Steps, a great sponsor and trusted program friends for the support, encouragement and guidance that got me to where I am today. All of these are gifts from my HP and where I am today is way, way better than before.
I do believe the more I can focus on me instead of what's going on around me, the more serenity I have. The more serenity I have, the easier 'real joy' is. Step 10 is a vital part of my recovery and spiritual journey.
Happy Friday to one and all - I'm off on a road trip in a short while to visit with gal pals from High School. Make your day great everyone!!
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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
Good Morning IAH I love this Step, it keeps me honest and allows me the opportunity to review my thoughts, feelings and actions in the same day(real time) , learn from my reactions and then grow as the result of making amends.
No longer do I need to carry around the guilt from my negative actions because now I have the tools to keep me from storing up anger, resentment, self pity and fear. Thank you alanon .
Thank you, IAH for your service. Even though I am far from Step 10, I got a lot out of your post. I think perhaps one does not have to "be" at Step 10 to implement Step 10!!
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"The wolf that thrives, is the one you feed." - Cherokee legend
"Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields... Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness." Mary Oliver
