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 page considers Step 2 as the entry to 'understanding and growth' after accepting that we could not manage our lives under our power alone in Step 1. We now see as possible that a 'Power greater than ourselves could lead us to sanity'.
Recognizing our own unreasonableness and humble position helps us see where we stand in relation to other people, places, and things.
Reminder: We can't predict the outcome of all of our decisions, nor should we try. Rather, reliance on a power greater when making our decisions frees us from the paralyzing illusion that we can and must figure it all out and make it all happen.
"...Having tried to bring order and meaning into my life without God's help, I will now step aside and let Him take over." - Unknown ------------------------ I held my belief that the alcoholic was the problem in my life until I became desperate enough to consider another possibility. AlAnon pointed the way to a simple, elegant concept that has not failed to work when I remember that I can't control other people or things, someone/thing else does, let that happen and focus on the few things in my circle.
I need daily reminders as my old habits try to reassert themselves, as evidenced when I feel my serenity slipping away. Remember, realign, return to serenity...very grateful for the wisdom and reminders of AlAnon
-- Edited by Enigmatic on Wednesday 3rd of February 2021 06:42:17 AM
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Good morning MIP. Thank you Paul for the daily and your service. Thank you both for your shares & ESH. I am reminded how I first viewed this step, with anger and defiance because I was NOT the crazy one - those with this darn disease were!!!
*Sigh* - with time, surrender, honesty and willingness, I came to see that my inability to detach from the behavior, words, actions and deeds of those I love with this disease was affecting me, my thoughts, actions, priorities, deeds, etc. The insanity for me was how strong I felt I was, yet so willing to give my power away to others in a heartbeat.
For me, Step 2 is a process. I can't tell you how many times in a day a part of me still wants to impose my will on another person, place or thing. In spite of seeing now that when I do, it doesn't end well, it's still often my first inclination. I am grateful for the progress I have made, and have hope that so long as I am willing to grow/learn, I will continue to improve.
Once I got over my own 'ego' and right-fighting, I have found a new level of comfort and strength in not having the answers, not needing to involve myself needlessly and detaching with love. I tweak my boundaries as necessary and strive to practice unconditional love and acceptance and my days and peace are way, way better. I'm so grateful for this program and all those who came before me....I don't have words to adequately express this most days.
Headed out to golf this afternoon - going to be cold but warmer than other days. Layers will be necessary and I'm looking forward to getting out and about. Love and light all...find and keep your joy!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
All I know is my life was 100% unmanageable before coming here. It still is pretty chaotic but it's ever so slowly getting better in many ways. It may not feel like it or seem like it some days but it really is improving.
I can be so stubborn at times, even when it comes to my HP. I am learning though as I go along.
Nothing has changed as regards the people around me who are substance abusers. I had to.make them less central to.my life. One of the central parts of that plan is to transition to another place. I am in the lead up to that
In the meantime I am doing all the work necessary to make my life easier. That was not in my vocabulary before. Now it is
Good Morning family and thanks for being here for me as I open my eyes and brain first thing. Your shares are meaningful and memorable for this old timer. They speak of "What it was like, What happened and What is it like now". I remember the struggle I put myself thru when I first arrived with total unwillingness and while having old timers encouraging me to "Just Try It" (the program process) one little step at a time and I also remember the first changes with the surprise reactions. Today I know the program works and will continue to work as I work it. Again Thanks and love to you all. (((((hugs)))))