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.
Thanks Debbie for this wonderful share about Step 4. One of the most helpful things to me is #11: I am entitled to my own opinion but cannot insist others to share it. This concept was very difficult for me for many years. And often I was afraid to have my own "self" because others would disagree or shame me. Now I don't care if people like my opinion or not. With dignity I can be me and you can be you. :)
I haven't worked the 4th step yet but 2 in that list really stuck out for me
#Recognizing that I always have choices and taking responsibility for the ones I make. Although it's a no-brainer that I always have choices sometimes I have/and still do convince myself that I don't and that I am at the mercy of others. It's just old programming from the past though and something I need to work on. Or maybe it's just not having the confidence in making my own choices. Hmm...something definitely to explore.
#Accepting love from others even if I am having a tough time loving myself. I have a hard time accepting love from others period. I tend to be a closed off person that is afraid to risk allowing myself to be loved in fear of being hurt. I was doing pretty good at allowing myself to be vulnerable but all that kinda went out the window this past year and I know I need to open up and allow others in again.