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.
Today's reading in the C2C talks about Step 7 and focuses on the word HUMBLE.
It reminds us that many times we view this word as a negative, tearful, embarrassing experience but that being humble can actually be accomplished with humor and joy. It builds on the reading this week that spoke about using" humor " in all aspects of our lives and not taking ourselves too seriously.
It suggests that a great sign that HP has lifted a shortcoming is when I can sit back and laugh at my actions because I see how foolish they have been Real change can announce itself in this manner.
Today's reminder desperation and pain can lead me to humility. In alanon I have become willing to learn from all of life's lessons not just the ones that hurt.
The quote is from Lois 'Story:"Humbly means seeing myself in true relations to my fellow man and GOD ."
My first attempt at Step 7, I found that I had great control issues and had much fear and anxiety. I needed to be in tremendous pain before I could surrender and ask HP to lift my short comings . I did not want to believe that I could not do it myself -- the acceptance of this fact was very painful for me but when I finally saw and accepted this reality I have become more willing to surrender and have experienced the joy of seeing a defect lifted and knowing how silly it was.
I now see what a gift this step is and how all I need to do is be willing to let go of the actions that hurt me in order to recover.
Step 7 is a bit ahead of me yet, but I can easily identify with the need to redefine humble as something that can be accomplished with humor and joy.
My wife often takes to telling me that I need to be more humble because I have an inflated opinion of myself and my opinions. This has, over the years, resulted in a plummeting self-esteem and low self-worth. I have developed a negative reaction to hearing the word, because of the way she has so often used it.
But, taking a step back and thinking about my relationship with the word humble a decade ago, I recall that I considered humility to be a positive personality trait, and one that I aspired to embody.
I am looking forward to getting to step 7, which might, I hope, help me forgive myself for what I see as my shortcomings.
__________________
Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Thanks, Betty.