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 Courage to Change reading is about the 6th step, being entirely ready for HP to remove my defects of character.
The author shares that, for them, this readiness didn't happen in a sudden flash, but gradually over time, as they struggled to make progress in a positive direction. The author also shares that practicing gratitude is an important part of their step 6 work, and that through gratitude, they are able to accept the healing that allows change and growth.
Today's Reminder: "Progress, not perfection" applies to my readiness to let go of my defects, as well as to other parts of my Al-Anon program. One day at a time, I make progress in readiness.
Today's Quote: "Step Six is my chance to cooperate with God. My goal is to make myself ready to let go of my faults and let God take care of the rest." Alateen - a day at a time
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I love the slogan "Practice, not perfection." I feel like my recovery work is stumbling around, trying to find something that seems right. Of course, it is uncomfortable, and I'm not good at it yet. I keep practicing. I remember when I first came to Al-Anon, and considered working the steps, I was daunted by the amount of work that had to be done. Now, I recognize that working the steps for me isn't a "once and done" thing. I keep working on them, and each time, something a bit different happens. And, wonderful that I don't have to accomplish everything at once. I can let go of my character defects gradually, as I am ready, and trust that I will be ready when the time is right.
I'm off to a conference again tomorrow. Hoping for good weather for the flight!
Make today great, everyone!
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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
Have a safe trip Skoroi and thanks for today's reminder regarding Step 6. I love the fact that I must make myself entirely ready to have my defects lifted howevER it is no in my power to lift them.
early on in program, I found that becoming entirely ready is an adventure in itself as many of my defects were defenses that I established as protection so it was somewhat dificult for me TO become willing to let them go.. HP GRADUALLY showed me that these"defects" were actually hurting me so I then was ready to ask for them to be lifted. Wonder of wonder when they were removed I discovered healthy responses that were available in order to move through difficult situations .
Thanks for your service
Thank you Skorpi for your service and the daily. Thank you also and Betty for your shares and ESH. I too wish you safe travels and great weather for your conference!
For me, it has been and continues to be a process. Today, I appreciate the grace of my HP, recovery and this program as I feel guided to just keep moving forward on a spiritual journey doing the next right thing. When 'life' happens, I can see and feel how all 3 have helped me be a better version of me, and this would not be my reality without the Steps, especially 6. I too have gradually realized that my HP does relieve me when I am ready to be changed. Many of my defects were also the byproduct of unhealthy defensive moves caused by living with this disease. Today, when I am able to use the tools, examine my motives and proceed forward, I am able to lean on healthier tools and choices.
I do believe that an attitude of gratitude serves me well. No matter what's going on around me, when I get quiet and reflect, HP has literally moved many mountains from my path and continues to stomp down those mole hills. Happy Hump Day all - make it a great one!!
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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
Thank you, Skorpi!! I hope you have safe travels and a fine conference.
Very appreciative of Betty's and Iamhere's ESH today! I just finished my 6th Step, and like Betty, removing my "go-to" defects has been a gradual process b/c many of the defects were really just good character traits that had been amped up on steroids b/c of living with the disease of Addiction!! So it's been a process learning what stays and what goes. I have definitely hung onto "Progress not Perfection," and Iamhere's favorite: "We are all just perfectly imperfect people!" since I tend to push myself to unrealistic perfectionism.
I had gone to the Step Board to work on Step 7, and each time I just cannot put fingertips to keyboard. I think I must've done this 4 times!! I still need to do it! Last night while talking over my funky mood with my sponsor, I mentioned this funny little thing and how I was getting a little frustrated with it. She told me, "PNP, you are just not ready for Step 7 - doesn't matter how "easy" you feel it is... your subconscience knows!"
So for now, I am sitting in the "inbetween" and learning to just accept what is Today.
Grateful to have this place!
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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
Thanks Skorpi and for all above shares. Early in program it took me a while to be able to focus off my A and onto me. It was a revelation to realize I was sick too. Some things like forgiving my A, I fought against, as faulty thinking made me think I was protecting myself from future pain if I didn't forgive. Not so. So I eventually became ready for my defects to be turned over to HP. And I love the slogan, progress not perfection, because it reinforces the idea that we will all make mistakes but can strive to improve, Lyne
OH...Safe trip, Skorpi...thanks for the step 6 reminder
I can be so lax on this step, I "think" that if I do the amends, learn the lessons, do the practicing, I dont' have to SAY, be READY to give up the defects...like they just disappear....No!!! I have to own and accept them and almost say "thanks for keeping me going back in the dark days, but really, I don't need you anymore" and that is where i am at..
I am READY and asking my HP to heal me of any hate/resentment to the people whose bodies HP used to bring me here...NO!! to this day, I can't remember much good about her, but i can SOME...Him??? No!! Nothing...but its to MY good to give up any hate, resentment, ill will towards them....its like drinking poison and excpecting THEM to get sick...
So I am ready and I am willing and i am asking MY HP within to help me get to the place where they just don't exist, and no hate, no ill will, no resentment, nothing!!! I can't erase my past, but I can over write it with good stuff....Good stuff like Love, peace and light energy in my walk on this earth...
