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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Courage to Change, March 15
Post Info TOPIC: Courage to Change, March 15
Freetime


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Courage to Change, March 15
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The writer of today's page realizes that forgiveness is not the power to judge, condemn, and then bestow forgiveness on someone.  It is accepting that we are on an equal footing with every fellow human being. We all have assets and defects.  Being self-righteous only separates us from others and makes us feel like a victim. The most forgiving thing we can do is not to judge others, but to behave in a way that brings us serenity.

Today's reminder: I don't know the motives or circumstances that cause another's behavior. I do know that when I hold onto resentment and blame, I occupy my spirit with bitterness.  Today I will find a more nurturing way to fill myself up.

Quote from Booker T. Washington: "You can't hold a man down without staying down with him."

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I love everything about this page. It reminds me of my favorite definition,  "Forgiveness is releasing someone from a debt they can never repay."  And it also releases me. I had to learn to forgive myself as well. 

I am not perfect. Sometimes it feels good, momentarily, to be bitter at someone, or to judge them.  But it is not nurturing self-care.  Forgiveness is more nurturing to me.  It is letting go of what does not serve me.



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milkwood


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Thank you Freetime, this makes me realise that I would do well to think a bit deeper about forgiveness. Wonderful quote - I can imagine that feeling of rising from a grapple, that holding down, it feels like a spacious pause just before liberation and moving on!

Have a good day.

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hotrod


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Good Morning Freeetime Great topic and quote. Looking at the world and seeing each person as an equal helps me to refrain from judging and critiquing.
Love the principles of this program.



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Betty

THE HIGHEST FORM OF WISDOM IS KINDNESS

Talmud
PosiesandPuppies


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Thank you Freetime for your service. I too love the reading today!

It wasn't until I realized and accepted that I was very often self-righteous, did I begin to truly heal my negative soul. Today I embrace that I am not perfect... nor is anyone else!! And I shouldn't automatically judge someone else without knowing their "story." To walk in another's shoes and all that.

I love the reminder: " I do know that when I hold onto resentment and blame, I occupy my spirit with bitterness. Today I will find a more nurturing way to fill myself up."

I have chosen to live a life free of bitterness. Each day I ask my HP for support in this endeavor.

IT'S FINALLY FRIDAY MIP PEEPS!!!! HOORAY!!! I hope you all enjoy the weekend!

Namaste!



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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

 

 
El


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This is a tough one for me.  I tend to bestow forgiveness after Ive been judge and jury. I am aware of it and now I need to work on it! 

Thank you Freetime and MIP family,

Ellen



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Iamhere


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Thank you Freetime for the daily and your service. Thanks to all above for your shares and ESH. I do not believe I can have real lasting peace and/or serenity without forgiving myself and others, and letting go of the past. For a long while, when I was offended, my mind would replay the unwritten list of past offenses, magnifying today's and the past. Letting go and accepting humans will be human has really helped me find a gentler, softer 'me' underneath.

Blame, shame, resentments, unresolved issues all hold me back from growth and freedom. I can't say I want to grow and then judge others. I can't say I want serenity and keep trudging up past events, from my perspective only slanted in my favor. In my daily discussions with my HP, I have no issue admitting I don't understand why things are as they are, but am more than willing to accept and believe in a master plan. I am human and there is a part of me that wants to defend, judge and throw blame - practicing the pause helps me remember my goal today is freedom and serenity vs. being right.

Happy Friday all - been patching drywall and running around preparing for a small party at my house for my son's birthday....he didn't think anyone remembered (duh.....) so he's grateful! My little people are coming over too!!! Enjoy the rest of your day MIP family! Celebrate imperfection - that's my motto for the year!!!

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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

 

 
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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Courage to Change, March 15