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.
Alanon suggests that there can be no progress without humility.
This brings forth resistance and puzzlement for some, but eventually we see that humility is not accepting poor behavior, but abandoning self-will and learning to yield to a higher power.
From this perspective, we realize that it is our self-will that leads us to unhappiness and distress.
Reminder: From an attitude of humility we are able to carry dignity and grace, develop the strength to address our challenges with the wisdom that allows us to maintain our serenity.
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of god...casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you. He giveth grace to the humble." - 1st letter to Peter
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Prior to gaining perspective in ALanon, I arrogantly thought I knew what was best for others and felt responsible to act accordingly. In doing so, I brought feelings of distress to myself and others.
This page reminds me that my spiritual progress and serenity is there for me to the extent that I accept my powerlessness, the extent to which I am truly humble. The ways I can demonstrate this are endless, so the bounds of my growth are limitless.
Grateful for the wisdom and reminders of Alanon
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Good Morning Paul and thank you for your service. Trying to change avatar without success so I guess message is to be a blank slate-remain teachable and open to new ideas. Had a chance to grow a few days ago when I sighed and gave my hubby a death stare when he made a simple request. When he winced and pain flashed in his eyes, I knew I was wrong. Trouble is, I wanted to say sorry and justify my action. It took me all day and prompting from my sponsor to examine what was wrong within me and eventually admit to God, self, another and humbly make amends to spouse. It reminded me of tools to invoke in the future to avoid the drama and start opening up about the truth...Anyways, later I will work on avatar and touch base with supports who encourage my growth. Have a great day.
Good morning, Paul and Daffodils -- and thank you for sharing.
When I first came to Al-Anon, I thought humility meant humiliation, being less-than. I learned from a wise member that humility means being teachable. That's something I definitely can embrace. I don't want to remain stuck in un-helpful ways of thinking and living, and I need to be able to change as my surroundings change. As long as I can learn, there is hope.
Thank you Paul for your service and the daily...I could have written your share - I too felt that I knew what was best for others and caused a whole lot of pain/discomfort for myself and those I love with my desire to fix, control, change, etc. everyone and everything.
Embracing humility was not easy for me - it's a practice, practice, practice area daily still. I do find a daily reprieve based on my spiritual condition and acceptance is the answer. My mind's habit of floating thoughts and obsessions of what others are/are not doing can return with no notice, thus doing what's suggested, one day at a time, works best for me.
I am a perpetual fan of Pausing to Pray before I Proceed. It amazes me that so very often, the proper action/answer that comes is to just be still and detach. When one is faced daily with active disease, there's so many moments to practice humility, empathy, patience, etc. I love reviewing my day each evening to see where I can improve and where I did improve. Remaining teachable, how I define humility, has become a gift as I embrace changing me.
Enjoy your Wednesday - in spite of a bit of 'real life' around here, I'm headed out to golf later...Make it a great day all!
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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