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.
Todays reading is a focus on step two: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. The writer specifically focuses on the word believe from step two, and questions her sponsor about how to turn that word into concrete action. The writer didnt remember the sponsors reply because in the moment the writer asked the question, she felt a spiritual awakening: in order to turn believing into action, there had to be trust. At that point the writer had never felt complete trust in anything, but through the program began to trust in the God of her understanding that all the guidance, comfort and support she needed would be provided.
This reading helped me remember a time when I confided to a therapist that I didnt know if I could trust a specific person in my life anymore. What he said that day has stayed with me - that trust is a decision we make. I always thought about trusting others and being trusted as a comfort, but when I thought of it in light of a decision it actually made things simpler. Of course not all decisions are good ones, but when the trust and belief is put in a HP, that decision can help transform belief (that a Power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity) into action.
As We Understood(p. 159): I dont need to understand the Power greater than myself, only to trust it.
Interesting topic today. I never thought of Trust in terms of "a decision we make." I had always believed (and yes, still do I guess) that Trust is earned by constant positive actions. It is something that is developed as a wee infant. But I do see "Trust" as the main component to my peace.
I trust my parents. I trust the necessity of my job. For the most part, I trust my HP- I work on improving that trust every day with daily affirmations and my gratitude list for all that my HP has provided for me.
Sadly, I trust no man. Certainly not my Ex. Lately, I have had cause not to trust my now adult son. This latest breach of trust has rocked me to my core. Yes, we have discussed boundaries, addictive behaviors, consequences. I went back and am currently working Step 1. I have to remember I am powerless over this disease. Hard to accept as a parent.
I will have to contemplate Trust framed as a decision I can make. I find it hard to go back to the flame once I have been burned.
Thank you for giving me some peace today Mary and Deb.
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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
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