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 reading discusses the writer's anxiety on approaching inventory step work in Al-Anon and how the slogan, 'Keep it Simple' brought relief! The writer felt nervous at the thought of having their character defects removed. The want to get better helped the writer believe what others had shared - the Steps are the key to recovery.
The writer found that every defect that was removed had been hiding an asset. As the writer let go of things no longer needed, they made room for strengths, skills and feelings. As growth and change continued, the writer is reminded that everything I need is already present.
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.
Quote from an American Proverb: "Before sunlight can shine through a window, the blinds must be raised."
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Keep it Simple - 3 small words that can help stop me in my tracks, slow a racing mind and gently remind me I am not in charge. Living recovery as best I can, one day or moment at a time, allows me to trust in the God of my understanding and do better! I am so, so grateful for every step/event in my life and story as it brought me to where I am today - Happy, Joyous and Free.
I 100% agree that working the steps is a critical part of growth/healing in recovery. There is no doubt in my heart/mind that I've been given exactly what I need(ed) when I need(ed) it. My sponsor is a double winner just like I am, and our journeys are reversed in which came first, yet she was the perfect person at the time to get me to another level of life, learning and loving. I found MIP at a time when I was broken, full of fear, etc. and it was just what I needed.
I can go on and on and on and on with the many miracles in my life and program that help me believe, accept and openly embrace a Higher Power. At any point I feel I am in charge (again), I do whatever I can to let go of Control - a wicked defect that stunts so many in recovery. It's a great day to be a Miracle in Progress! Enjoy the day MIP family - find and keep your joy!
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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
Thanks IAH for your service and great share. Lately I invite HP every morning to PLEASE remove my character defects. Early in program I also dreaded my inventory but the recently when I re-did the Steps, I welcomed it. The quote is perfect--the sun can't shine in if you don't lift the blinds. Keep it simple is the way to go. Lyne
I am especially diggin' the 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."
Beautiful.
Today and tomorrow my thoughts will linger with Betty's smile. I take comfort knowing that she was greeted by her son and husband, and reside in pure love - all human frailities removed and forgiven.
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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
For a long time- my HP was about other 12 Step members- what they had. The thinking has changed and shifted. Not this theme, of other members- but a fruitful outcome... ...
Caint put my finger on is exactly- and that is how things are, a lot of time...
...but getting the benefits, in the meantime... and hoping to keep things simple... ...
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Thanks, IAm, Lyne, and P. ...