In today's reading, the author reflects on an important Al-Anon lesson - it is safe to be myself.
In the past, the author would have hidden certain secrets at all costs, but today, they know that they can share those secrets with trusted Al-Anon friends. By sharing honestly with people the author can trust, they can begin to challenge old, negative ideas and come out of hiding.
Today's Reminder: Even when I feel ashamed, someone in the fellowship can help me see my situation in a different light. With their help, if I'm willing to permit it, the truth will set me free.
Today's Quote: "You get to the point where your demons. which are terrifying, get smaller and smaller and you get bigger and bigger." August Wilson
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One of the slogans I hear a lot in one of my meetings is "you are as sick as your secrets" - this helps me to remember how important it is to share embarrassing things with trusted people, because sharing takes away their power over me and is a decision I can make to be healthy.
Lyne said
Apr 21, 2022
Thanks Skorpi for your service. I hid myself for years as I thought I was ugly, stupid, and worthless. Alanon has enabled me to see my assets as well as my shortcomings. It's been such a blessing. Step 4 was a real growing experience which I had the privilege of doing several times with Betty. Grateful member always.
DM2021 said
Apr 21, 2022
Thank you Skorpi, as well, for your service, today's reading and to you and Lyne for sharing.
I too can honestly say, that not only have I progressed in the "keeping secrets department" but I no longer
fear that AH will use those secrets to gaslight, hurt and control me. I could see that I gave him and others
power over me and I no longer worry about my shortcomings, which are me just being human. You are so
right about the benefits of doing Step 4, that exercise (done many times), has allowed me to lose most of
the self defeating issues that allowed others to use against me. Grateful member as well indeed!!
In today's reading, the author reflects on an important Al-Anon lesson - it is safe to be myself.
In the past, the author would have hidden certain secrets at all costs, but today, they know that they can share those secrets with trusted Al-Anon friends. By sharing honestly with people the author can trust, they can begin to challenge old, negative ideas and come out of hiding.
Today's Reminder: Even when I feel ashamed, someone in the fellowship can help me see my situation in a different light. With their help, if I'm willing to permit it, the truth will set me free.
Today's Quote: "You get to the point where your demons. which are terrifying, get smaller and smaller and you get bigger and bigger." August Wilson
-------------------------------
One of the slogans I hear a lot in one of my meetings is "you are as sick as your secrets" - this helps me to remember how important it is to share embarrassing things with trusted people, because sharing takes away their power over me and is a decision I can make to be healthy.
I too can honestly say, that not only have I progressed in the "keeping secrets department" but I no longer
fear that AH will use those secrets to gaslight, hurt and control me. I could see that I gave him and others
power over me and I no longer worry about my shortcomings, which are me just being human. You are so
right about the benefits of doing Step 4, that exercise (done many times), has allowed me to lose most of
the self defeating issues that allowed others to use against me. Grateful member as well indeed!!