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.
The reading for Monday, 6/21, says that after doing Steps 4,5, & 6, the writer felt ready to be relieved of their defect of character. Step 7 suggests asking God to remove it (them in my case!). So Step 7 does not imply removal of all shortcomings, but instead each one must be dealt with individually. Furthermore, the writer says they must ask God over and over again, to be released from it. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings, with being humble part of this process.
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Although I feel some confusion about this reading as Step 7 says, Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings, and the author is speaking about one defect at a time, I had to chuckle at myself. I have gone through a period of time asking my HP to remove all of my shortcomings, all of them, all at once, and I would think: PLease take them away now! I have no more use for them! They are like a ball and chain around my ankle! Well guess what? I still have them, 4 to be exact, however 2 have greatly lessened. So how this actually works, whos timing it is, am I humble enough, I cant really answer my own questions here. But since 2 of my 4 have lessened, perhaps Im on the right track. I know I have to partner with HP and keep working on these.
Thank you Lyne for your service, today's reading and your ESH!
I looked back at what I wrote the first time I worked on Step 7 and I ended that dialogue with:
Realizing no one is an island and everyone needs help at various times in their lives and holding on to my ego, pride and fear only holds me back
from growing and accepting that this is my life with all it's shortcomings, if I am going to make it a success I have to take responsibility for the
parts of me that need to change.
What obstacles have I faced in working step seven?
I still have work to do with building my confidence, which is the force behind my fears.
What helps me to hold habit in check and recognize an opportunity for personal growth?
The realization that if I am to make a success of my life, that I will have to face those fears of failure, loss and mistakes and rely on HP that he
has greater plans for me to grow and prosper when I humbly ask that my shortcomings be removed.
Like you Lyne, my shortcomings have lessened and I have learned to hold myself accountable.
Al-Anon does work when you honestly work the program and looked only to yourself for results.
{{HUGS}}
__________________
"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart" ~ Unknown
I dont like the word "defects'. I always felt defective throughout my childhood. I prefer the word " flaws".
I know there's lots of character flaws in me that I hope my HP can help me with.
I need to stop focusing in the flaws of others and focus on my own.
Yesterday I seriously considered purposely making Father's Day a bad one for AH. He tried his best to ruin Mother's Day for me. I know it's wrong to seek revenge,but I seriously considered it. Instead, I chose to make it a good one,and it was. I felt good about myself for it.
One of my flaws is closing my heart off to anyone that has or may hurt me in anyway. All it does really is make me miss out on some good things in life.
