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 is about reaching self-love through trusting in a higher power. The author started out fearful, thinking that a self-inventory would show that they were hopelessly flawed and unworthy. Working on Steps One, Two, and Three they realized that, although powerless over the effects of alcoholism in their life, they could call upon a power greater than self. These steps built trust that "although the ground on which I stand may quiver, I will not fall ... Regardless of how shaky I may feel, I am safe."
Having this trust in the safety of a higher power made it possible to do a searching an fearless moral inventory -- and to find out "I am all I need to be -- loving, lovable and splendid."
Today's Reminder: Today I will take some time to strengthen my relationship with my Higher Power. This will bring me closer to seeing the truth as my ally and recognizing my own inner loveliness."
Quote from Louis L. Hay, "I now choose to rise above my personality problems to recognize the magnificence of my being. I am totally willing to learn to love myself.
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I remember thinking that I was basically not up to standard - my own standards, influenced by the culture around me. My accomplishments brought me a lot of positive feedback, but inside I felt that as a person -- looks, personality, temperament -- I was lacking, and that the more people knew the real me, the less they would like me. And that if I really looked at myself instead of hiding myself, I would be ashamed. I thought love and approval had to come from outside.
Going through the tough times with Al-Anon by my side, finally that feeling of inadequacy has changed. The meetings, readings, and fellowship helped me cope with the reality of living with an alcoholic -- but somehow. almost like magic, working the steps helped me learn to love myself. Today I honestly feel I have an inner loveliness.
Freetime thank you For your service and this great share. Boy could I relate to the looking outside of me for approval because I was so shame-based. It wasnt until not too long ago that I really sought a relationship with my higher power and it has changed me a lot and I look forward to even better changes as I evolve with steps 1. 2. and 3 which were the most difficult if not impossible steps for me. But I have finally been able to develop a relationship and to believe in my higher power and that he has got me covered. And there are times when I am talking with my higher power that I literally stand on steps number one and then I go to number two and then I go to number three and say here you take it. I know. I noticed I am not so shamed base as I was before, I noticed that my family of origin and their opinions of me are their issues and not mine as I work on his program I find areas where I am weak and I find areas where I am very strong. I dont know what I would do without the 12 steps and the slogans. Thank you for reminding me of this
Wow. I just wanted to say "Thank you" to both posters here... this particular Daily (and your shares) has touched me.
I really love the quote: "I now choose to rise above my personality problems to recognize the magnificence of my being. I am totally willing to learn to love myself." - Louis L. Hay.
I am in the process of learning that "I am all I need to be." Since I have a "problem" of perfectionism in myself, it is sometimes a tedious process. There are days when I feel I have made no progress with this!
This Daily, and specifically your shares, have given me renewed hope!
Grateful.
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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
Good morning MIP. Thank you Freetime for your service and the daily. Thanks to all for your shares and ESH. When I consider my age/stage of life, it truly confounds me that I've spent so, so, so much time feeling LTP - Less Than Perfect. Only in recovery did I have that glorious Aha moment - I'm exactly who I am supposed to be, perfectly imperfect and totally lovable 'as is'.
I can relate to fear of inventorying myself only to discover that I am BR (Beyond Repair). I'm so glad those wiser than I who came before me had the good sense to put the steps in the order they are in. I would not have continued with recovery if Step 4 was 1 - 1, 2, 3, etc. are exactly as they should be.
I am more at peace with who I am and who I choose to be in my life than ever before. I no longer concern myself with those who leave me out or dislike me and truly trust that's part of the master plan. I trust in my HP more than ever before as well as in what is vs. what I think should be. I am grateful today for my growth and have hope that it continues. I am enough, as I am and finally, after a long, long while comfortable in my own skin.
Today is my AH's birthday! We have steaks to grill and more. Make it a great day all - Day 10 of quarantine - yippee!
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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 FT for your service and all above magnificent shares. I can relate to all as I saw myself as stupid, ugly, and unlovable. And actually, all of that is untrue. It's taken years of therapy and program on top of that, for me to be able to love myself. But I finally do. And I don't have to be perfect. I also no longer take to heart what others think or feel about me. My son's opinion is the only one that really counts anymore, and as we go through this current phase of our life together (me being a hands on grandmother to his daughter ), we talk out any difficulties that we encounter. Life is different and better. Grateful, Lyne
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