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.
Character defects: The writer discussed her fear of removing her defects. She imagined herself like Swiss cheese, full of holes. But she soon learned that by working the steps, all she lost were the things she didn't need. Then she had room for her strengths, skills, and feelings.
Today 's reminder: God knows exactly what I need and has already given it to me. My job is to keep it simple and ask for God's help in relieving me of the extra stuff--the shortcomings that keep me tied down.
American proverb: Before sunlight can shine through a window, the blinds must be raised.
I can relate to this writing very easily. When my A's drinking increased and spun out of control, I was filled with a plethora of negative emotions. All I felt and was were horrible emotions that kept me in prison. But I couldn't understand it until I started program. I couldn't imagine being at peace or enjoying anything. As I attended f2f meetings and worked with my sponsor, the steps helped me find a self I could learn to respect and Love, Lyne
Hello Lyne, I too thought that my defects represented exactly who I was. My sponsor quickly explained that my defects were simply the tools I developed (as a child) to protect me from the world. She pointed out that these defects simply covered my positive traits that should be permitted to shine forth without these negative influences .
Working the Steps, attending meetings, and sharing, helped me to let go of my defenses and express the love, compassion and empathy that lived within. I am ever grateful to this program.
Me three - I also believed that my character defects were 'part of my style & personality' and had fear of an unknown, meek me without them. I too found freedom by working this program as suggested and peeling back the layers of me that had me shackled. Today, I do believe that my known defects are just exploited parts of me that were never intended for self-harm or harm of others even though that happened as a result of this disease.
That's a great quote and so simple yet so profound! I do believe this program set me free to be a better version of me, as originally designed by a power greater than self. Thank you ladies for your ESH and shares. Thank you also Lyne for your service and the daily. Make this Monday the best day possible.
(((Hugs)))
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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
I was afraid that my defects of character would prove to me and everyone else that I was the terrible person I had always feared I was. It turns out that, through working the steps, I discovered that I have a lot of gifts and talents, and I can use them positively or negatively. By letting go of the negative uses, I let go of my character flaws and am able to use my positive character traits, skills, and tools for their intended positive influences.
I'm struggling today, but glad I have the program to lean into.
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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
