Today's reading in One Day At A Time in Al-Anon describes the Twelve Steps as a shortcut to using our God-given talents that have been dormant, or like a medicine that can cure us of our despair. When we resist taking these steps, could it be that we have a desire for martyrdom? We want help for the desperate situation we are in, but at the same time our guilt makes us think we need to suffer.
No one needs to be deprived of happiness and the good things in life. If we are willing to "accept the difficult discipline of the Twelve Steps" our lives can become increasingly worthwhile.
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When I first came into Al-Anon, my impression of the steps was that they would be somewhat humiliating -- all those words like powerless, defects of character, shortcomings, the exact nature of my wrongs! However, I was so desperate that I was willing to go through this punishing ordeal if that's what it took for my recovery.
Much to my surprise, it was not punishing at all. It took work, and sometimes I did not feel like doing it, but with a caring sponsor and other Al-Anon friends, I got through it. It was humbling, but not humiliating. It was freeing. I felt lighter. Of course there will always be things I need to go back over, and some steps I could re-do in a better way or in different situations. And I have to admit that my first impression was wrong.
((((Freetime)))) Your share wakes up my spirit and my memory tells me "you have lived this also". I am infused with gratitude to the program and my Higher Power and MIP.
Did I have an unconscious desire for martyrdom? Sick as that sounds it was true back then and it pushed me to change away from it. Thanks for the memory I will hold it for a while tonight and meditate on it. (((((Hugs)))))
hotrod said
Apr 5, 2019
Hello Freetime thank you for tis powerful remindee. The Steps opened the door to my spirituality and allowed me to look within without fear. I am ever grateful Thank you fo your service
Iamhere said
Apr 5, 2019
Good morning MIP! Thank you Freetime for your service and the daily. Thank you Jerry, Betty and Freetime for your shares and ESH. I didn't know what I didn't know when I arrived, but found out over time that I was so used to dysfunction, I had a tendency to 'miss' the chaos and drama at first. It may have been that I preferred martyrdom or that I was just insanely affected by this disease. For me, the root cause of my insanity became 'less concerning' and my recovery, serenity and peace of mind became my top priority.
The steps were frightening to me when I first glanced upon them. I can so relate to preconceived notions that they would be hard, humiliating, blaming and shaming. I too was pleasantly surprised that while the work and the deep view of me was not always easy and brought pain, it also brought great insight, awareness, healing and peace.
It is through Al-Anon that I learned what it means to and for me to unconditionally love and accept others, as they are, in the present moment. It is also where I learned that we are all perfectly designed to be imperfect, and the God of my understanding truly wants me to be happy, joyous and free. I am beyond words grateful for the courage and willingness planted in me by the same God to get honest and seek my recovery. The results are priceless and sanity has been restored (most of the time).
Happy Friday all - off to golf in a while and then hanging with my little people this evening. Make it a great day!
El said
Apr 5, 2019
Thank you Freetime and for all the posts above me. I too found the Steps daunting and frightening, but I have always been a "go by the rules" person, so I thought I would finish one step and move to the next and be done with it, no matter how scary. Little did I know that I would go back over and over to the step I needed in that moment and it was usually Step One! There is no "finish." I really like that too.....I can take my time, no timetables, no one judging or accusing me of taking too long or not being perfect. The steps are a gift that keep on giving.
Happy Friday to all! Going to warm up this weekend!
Today's reading in One Day At A Time in Al-Anon describes the Twelve Steps as a shortcut to using our God-given talents that have been dormant, or like a medicine that can cure us of our despair. When we resist taking these steps, could it be that we have a desire for martyrdom? We want help for the desperate situation we are in, but at the same time our guilt makes us think we need to suffer.
No one needs to be deprived of happiness and the good things in life. If we are willing to "accept the difficult discipline of the Twelve Steps" our lives can become increasingly worthwhile.
--------------------------------------------
When I first came into Al-Anon, my impression of the steps was that they would be somewhat humiliating -- all those words like powerless, defects of character, shortcomings, the exact nature of my wrongs! However, I was so desperate that I was willing to go through this punishing ordeal if that's what it took for my recovery.
Much to my surprise, it was not punishing at all. It took work, and sometimes I did not feel like doing it, but with a caring sponsor and other Al-Anon friends, I got through it. It was humbling, but not humiliating. It was freeing. I felt lighter. Of course there will always be things I need to go back over, and some steps I could re-do in a better way or in different situations. And I have to admit that my first impression was wrong.
We even have a Step Work Board here... how cool is that?
((((Freetime)))) Your share wakes up my spirit and my memory tells me "you have lived this also". I am infused with gratitude to the program and my Higher Power and MIP.
Did I have an unconscious desire for martyrdom? Sick as that sounds it was true back then and it pushed me to change away from it. Thanks for the memory I will hold it for a while tonight and meditate on it. (((((Hugs)))))
Hello Freetime thank you for tis powerful remindee. The Steps opened the door to my spirituality and allowed me to look within without fear. I am ever grateful
Thank you fo your service
The steps were frightening to me when I first glanced upon them. I can so relate to preconceived notions that they would be hard, humiliating, blaming and shaming. I too was pleasantly surprised that while the work and the deep view of me was not always easy and brought pain, it also brought great insight, awareness, healing and peace.
It is through Al-Anon that I learned what it means to and for me to unconditionally love and accept others, as they are, in the present moment. It is also where I learned that we are all perfectly designed to be imperfect, and the God of my understanding truly wants me to be happy, joyous and free. I am beyond words grateful for the courage and willingness planted in me by the same God to get honest and seek my recovery. The results are priceless and sanity has been restored (most of the time).
Happy Friday all - off to golf in a while and then hanging with my little people this evening. Make it a great day!
Thank you Freetime and for all the posts above me. I too found the Steps daunting and frightening, but I have always been a "go by the rules" person, so I thought I would finish one step and move to the next and be done with it, no matter how scary. Little did I know that I would go back over and over to the step I needed in that moment and it was usually Step One! There is no "finish." I really like that too.....I can take my time, no timetables, no one judging or accusing me of taking too long or not being perfect. The steps are a gift that keep on giving.
Happy Friday to all! Going to warm up this weekend!
Ellen