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.
As soon as I woke up this morning I started thinking "Let it begin with me".
I don't know why though because I wasn't consciously thinking it.And that thought has been repeating over and over in my mind since then.I even felt the urge(nudge?) to search online and do some reading on it.I also felt an urge(shove?) to find an image with that slogan for my phone so everytime I check my phone I will see it on my screen as a reminder.So I did.
The thing is,though,I am not even really sure what it means(let alone not knowing where the heck these thoughts and urges came from.HP maybe?IDK).
So,let it begin with me.Let what begin with me?That's what I've been thinking all day in response to this.
Sounds like recovery to me S.S. To me that slogan means that I should keep the focus on myself, practice program tools such as stop judging, gossiping or blaming, pray, use the slogans and in essence keep the focus on myself and stay in my own hoola hoop.
Those waking thoughts were a good sign for me, SS... ...
I felt I needed to reach out to others... not a bad thought... but then, that had to begin with my own changes and recovery. This took a little more time.
Finding the balance relieved pressure and brought relief.
Your words, and topic, work together... thanks so much! ...
I like to refer to what youre experiencing as a God moment. Its those moments in my day when I get a sixth sense that there is a power bigger than me guiding my thoughts and actions. This slogan is especially helpful when Im fixated on taking the inventory of others. Let it begin with me is a reminder to keep the focus on myself and to change the things I can. It also reminds me to treat myself well, with love and compassion, and that has attracted like minded people to my life. Thank you for the lovely share, youre not nuts, youre just awakening ((hugs)).
-- Edited by _bunny_ on Monday 18th of December 2017 03:55:49 PM
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- Carrie
Stress is caused by being 'here' but wanting to be 'there'. Eckhart Tolle
Hey SS - I certainly also view these as nudges from HP and/or God moments as has been mentioned. I feel at times like I have a complicated brain that wants to over-question, over-analyze and over-discuss almost everything....I've worked really hard in recovery to accept that I don't have to follow what my thinker suggests and instead can keep it simple. So - Let it Begin With Me for me means that I get a fresh start or slate each morning upon awakening. Each morning, I am still affected by the disease of alcoholism, so I can choose to treat it or not.
As my day continues, I also continue to live in recovery or not. I can let things affect me or I can work them through. I can take things personal or I can let them bounce off. Let it Begin With Me gave to me the freedom to realize and accept that I and nobody else in 100% responsible for my day, my attitude, my actions, my outlook and when I am spiritually aligned with this program, not a lot can shift me off my serene place.
If I make a mistake, I can own it and make amends if owed. If I slip in my attitude, I have the tools to regroup and respond differently. Let it Begin with Me is almost an empowering statement that suggests when I do what I'm led to do through recovery and HP all outcomes are going to be OK!
Great topic, great share and good on you for listening to that small voice within!
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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 SS, that is also one of my favorite slogans, and what a brilliant idea to put it on your phone!
I agree that "Let It Begin With Me" helps me keep the focus on myself and what I can do. In the past I had trouble asking for help. When my mind was struggling with a problem, I felt I had to solve it by myself. Now I can remember that the slogan doesn't say "let it end with me." This is a reminder that I can reach out for help when I need it.
After reading all the replies here and thinking about it(over thinking actually,as usual),I realize I make everything so complicated for myself.
When life feels so chaotic,dramatic and complicated I feel there HAS to be be just as chaotic,dramatic and complicated solutions.I feel the need to analyze every little thing from every angle.I feel the need to talk to,and ask others about everything because I lack the confidence to trust my own thoughts and judgements and even my own opinions.I feel I need to do everything perfectly,the right/accepted way.
I actually feel silly for even starting this thread yesterday because it was such a simple thing,a good thing really,but I turned it into a dilemma.
Such a great slogan. For me that slogan reminds me that when I am wanting things from others (kindness, love, attention, support) I need to let it begin with me. Am I behaving the way I want to be treated towards my loved ones in my life? My ego and I struggle with that all the time. I want people to have more respect for me, I want an apology, I want people to notice my new haircut....whatever it is I WANT or my ego wants. It's so much harder for me to turn that around and ask myself if I am doing this for others. When I can bring myself to give it away unconditionally it comes back to me. When I truly apologize for my part in an argument with no expectations often I get the same back. When I show loving concern for others I eventually get it back. It really doesn't hurt me at all to behave the way I want to behave yet I perceive it as a threat sometimes or weakness. When I come from a place from this slogan I don't tend to over do it yet I also don't tend to withhold what I am content in giving away. It helps me behave with unconditional love which is what I truly desire from others. Thank you for the reminder "Let it begin with me" I will do that today :)
Soggy for me like others thoughts like "let it begin with me come from my HP's whispers which keep me in program track" Let it begin with me....when anyone anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of Al-Anon to always be there and let it begin with me". Some of the other endings are "and for that I am responsible". We carry our recovery with us...we walk it with HP. Great post. (((hugs)))
I think for me I.was always looking for someone to make me feel better. I felt so depressed. When they didn't (because of course I had people who were unavailable on every level) I was more depressed.
Now I rely far less on others it is hard going. Nevertheless now for once I have control. I gave all my power away before. Now my power begins and ends with me
I have stuck with Al-Anon because I am seeking lasting change. Whenever a loved one, the alcoholic or otherwise, is engaged in bad behavior and attitude I know that I can't change it. I can only change myself and my actions. If I want something better I have to begin with myself.
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