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.
Good morning MIP! Prayers continue Betty for a peaceful outcome.
Today's reading discusses how comparing ourselves to others can be a distracting character defect in Al-Anon. The reading suggests that each snowflake is different as well as every thumbprint. Each of us, arriving at Al-Anon, also is different despite the common problem that brings us together.
Celebrating the differences in all and recognizing our own special qualities help us grow in recovery. Judging and comparing our insides to others' outsides is wasted time/energy. Each of us makes important contributions to recovery simply by participating and being ourselves.
Reminder: A sponsor or trusted Al-Anon friend can help me see that I have value just as I am.
Quote from Desiderius Erasmus: "It is the chiefest point of happiness that a man is willing to be what he is."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BR (Before Recovery), I always felt greater than or lesser than those around me. I spent way too much time comparing and competing with others and judging others based on what they showed me. Al-Anon has given me a new set of glasses, and today, I practice unconditional acceptance and love. By setting myself free from this particular defect, I attract and prefer healthier minded people in my lie as they support my authenticity. I have 'real friends' who call me out when needed and lift me up when needed.
I have always admired that in recovery, there is no expert level (even when some profess to be so) - instead all are equals. I learn way more from those who speak truth from the heart that those who attempt to monologue from our literature. Literature is necessary in recovery, though no more/less important than honest experience, strength and hope.
Practicing recovery each day keeps me closer to my HP and my own center - the 'sweet spot' for me. I'm grateful that recovery has given me insight into my value in life as well as areas to improve upon! This thing called life can be as lovely or miserable as we choose; for today, I choose joy.
Happy Thursday all - we've got a deep freeze going on - my hibernating continues! Make it a great day!
__________________
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
Thanks IAH for your service and your ESH. I spent many years comparing myself to others and 99% of the time I came out a ZERO. That's what I learned from my FOO, addicted partners, and being in the arts.
I think it was from my sponsor, who taught me, COMPARE=DESPAIR. That has stuck with me. My only comparison I need is me to me. Learn from my mistakes and try not to repeat them. See all my good qualities which I was unable to see before recovery. Progress not perfection helps guide me all the time. I love this program!
Praying for a positive resolution for Betty's health issue. Lyne
Thank you Iamhere for your service, and both of you for your shares!
Comparing oneself to another can be a trap of despair! I am finding that unless I work on myself, then comparing can leave me feeling "less than." So I am working on leaving off the comparison tool, and keep working on my needs.
__________________
"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
