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.
In today's reading, that author reflects on "placing principles above personalities." The author shared that during a business meeting, their pet project was shot down, but another passed. They were struggling with injured pride, when this Al-Anon slogan entered their head. They were able to let go of their own will and trust the group to make a decision that was best.
The author is learning within the safety of their Al-Anon group to let go of needing to have their own way, and to apply this principle to all their relationships.
Today's Reminder: It is important to express my ideas. It is also important to accept the outcome. I can acknowledge myself for taking the risk to speak out, knowing the results of my actions are out of my hands. Today I choose to trust those results to my Higher Power.
Today's Quote: "Your proper concern is alone the action of duty, not the fruits of the action. Cast then away all desire and fear for the fruits, and perform your duty." The Bhagavad Gita
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So many times, I've let go of my own ideas and compromised where I shouldn't. Years of experiencing this with an active alcoholic taught me to trust myself and insist on my way. After all, it kept food in the house, the electricity turned on, and heat running in the winter. Like the author, I learned in Al-Anon that things don't always have to be my way. When appropriate, I can trust others. I can express my opinion, and I can let go of the results. Sometimes, I need to make choices to protect myself, like choices that allow me to have money for gas to get to work, but other times, I can express my opinion and let go of my will to have things done my way. In these circumstances, I can trust my Higher Power to work things out in a positive way.
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Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Thanks Skorpi for your service, and for all above ESH. Principles above personalities was another Bettyism that she taught me. I didn't like the idea at first, cause heck, wasn't I at least right some of the time?? It took a lot of practice and patience with myself to accept the wisdom of those 3 words. It's a relief in fact, to be true to myself, but everyone will never agree with me all the time. Thank God I can now be OK with that.
