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.
This timely page warns against justifying OUR unacceptable behavior by placing blame on others or excusing it as just a common reaction as we review Step 4.
Instead, this is the time to fearlessly search through our good/bad after building our spiritual base in Steps 1-3...our courage will be rewarded.
Reminder: Accepting that I am human means that I can look closely at my homeruns and my strikeouts. Today I will find something to appreciate and something to improve.
"You never find yourself until you face the truth." - Pearl Bailey ----------- Oh boy, callout time! I have absolutely been making excuses for my poor behavior with a non-active alcoholic.
Officially saying I wasn't, but I realize that unofficially, inside the vault of my private thoughts, I was discounting the severity of my actions because of what I perceived as injustice in theirs. Classic 6yr-old Paul in action!
Searching and fearless moral inventory of my own actions quickly, without a second glance, reveals that I am being the problem.
I don't get to point out why their action inspired me negatively if I want to make spiritual progress, and certainly if I want to find Serenity. Take care of me, the rest will work itself out...
Grateful for the reminder
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thanks Paul for your service and share. I have to be willing to take an honest look at myself, on a regular basis. I will never be entirely fixed! It's a life long process, to be open to the truth, and of course see my home runs. But I not only need to see my strike outs, but be willing to have the desire to practice to improve. :)