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 speaks of becoming entirely ready for God to remove her defects of character, Step 6. She talks about the hours of wasted time focusing on self-pity. She could not grow or move forward stuck in this thinking. She says her HP removes her defects by helping her see them at work, and how they get in the way of every day life. She humbly turns to her Higher Power who replaces the defects with joy.
Today's Reminder: I am not perfect. The character defects I have carried around for so many years will not vanish instantly. But with faith and hope I can work my way through them one at a time, one day at a time.
Quote from C.R. Findley: God seldom delivers...virtues all wrapped in a package and ready for use. Rather He puts us in situations where by with His help we can develope those virtues.
Wow can I relate to the wasted time I have spent in the past, dwelling on all my perceived defects of character, including some which were not even true. I have been lucky to have a skilled sponsor who helped me sort all of this out, and allowing me to arrive at a much better and honest concept of myself. And certainly HP is in the driver seat as well, because I am more tuned in to what still needs work, yet I am also able to see improvement. I am a work in progress, thanks to Alanon. Lyne
Hello Lyne this step was a challenge for me . When i finally became convinced that the defects that i developed to "PROTECT" me from the world were actually "HURTING " me, was when I seriously began to work Step 6 and become entirely ready to have them lifted.
I do wish thta Hp delivered virtues all wrapped in a bow but I have experienced being placed in difficult situations where I could develop the virtures of courage , kindness, and compassion.
. We are all works in progress and I appreciate your service Thanks.
I like today's reading. While step 6 isn't an easy one for me, today's reading reminds me of the importance of working the steps. Each time I do, I discover new character defects that I would like to release, and each time I work through the steps, I feel that I'm that much closer to being the best version of myself that I can be.
I hope you make today great!
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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
I really enjoy this reading. The topic of "being entirely ready" -- is a fascinating one. Just like "knowledge of his will, and the power to carry that out" -- this involves US, ME, doing something. God, the group, my sponsor, WILL NOT do it FOR ME...I have to do it.
Being entirely ready is more than just words. Just like step one, admitted...OK, I admit it...all done...now I go to step two. LOL. Oh, if it were only that easy. LOL. I found I had to talk through, get a handle on, address, various issues, and really look at myself very openly and honestly. I had to work through a variety of issues so that I was ready -- ready to face, to let go, and to have someone other than me guide me, assist me, etc. Even when I was ready -- it was not just my HP or God removing them and that's it. I had to continue being ready. It was ongoing. They didn't just get removed and all done. It was a continuum of time. I had to maintain being ready. Working with my sponsor enlightened me, empowered me, and it helped me have some of these defects removed.
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Bo
Keep coming back...
God, grant me the serenity...to accept the PEOPLE I cannot change...the courage to change the ONE I can...and the wisdom to know it's ME...
Thank you Lyne for the daily and your service. Thanks to those above for your shares and ESH. I too would be delighted if a got a complete package from HP that guided me to being the best version of me....however, I also know that based on my person, the chances of that 'sticking' is slim - I learn way better when I have to work for 'it' and feel some consternation.
When we are able to set aside our ego and self-will, all things in recovery come much easier. When I am struggling with an issue, a person, a concept, a day, I've learned in recovery that there is something within me that needs attention - it's me and not 'them' that needs some re-engineering.
I love how Step 6 suggests that we are in a ready state for change - not that we are now changed and will remain so. I'm grateful to accept my imperfect state, and more grateful yet to know that my HP will love and guide me even when I make mistakes or fall back into old habits that once protected me. I also believe that HP shows me how to take my strengths and weaknesses and use both to be of maximum service to self and others.
Happy Monday all - we got rained out for our early morning golf game so I've got the 'gift of time' back. I am road-tripping at lunch time to visit my friend with cancer, take a meal and give a hug. Taco Monday with program friends. I am amazed that HP knew I had over-committed and gave me an 'out' to rest, practice self-care and tend to some duties. Make it a great day!! (((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
"Hours of wasted time on self-pity."
That was me. Oh, look at how bad I have it... all b/c of my qualifier. This type of self-pity kept me stuck in the mire. When I finally decided to drop the rope & do things differently (including ending the self-pity party), only then was I able to move forward with what I needed for MY health and sanity. I am not yet at Step 6. But I will be. In my own time.
Thank you all above for sharing and becoming one with my journey!
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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
I truly appreciate all the above responses to the daily. It is a reminder to me that I need to give Step 6 some serious attention. Thanks to everyone, Lyne
Thank you everyone. This is so pertinent lately. Yesterday I spent all day in my own pity party. I just couldn't shake it. It had to do with health issues and those times the straw that "appears to" break the camels back can just be overwhelming. This morning tho, the program kicked in. I will say, it was not without a battle upon arising but kick in, it did. I spent time in my literature and in prayer.
It may be only a short time back into Alanon but the rewards are so profound. I never, ever want to visit that dark place I was so stuck in pre alanon again. Ever. This too I was able to ask God to help me remove this defect of character=fear and all the junk that comes with it in layers.
Thank you for your service Lyn and all the great shares. I am learning slowly that carrying these defects on my own are way too heavy.
Have a great day!!
Hugs!!
