Good morning everyone:

Todays reading is a look at tradition twelve and placing principles above personalities. The writer describes having a strained relationship with his/her parents. The writer had expectations that were consistently unfulfilled: trying to be noticed, listened to, appreciated and loved. After feeling let down  so many times, the writer focused on te concept of principles above personalities. The writer decided to focus on what he/she could give toward the parents rather than have an expectation about what might be received.  The writer tried to give the attention, love and appreciation to the parents rather than focusing on the disappointment of not receiving those things. 
The writer began to notice positives in the parents, and the writer saw that acting on a loving principal- giving attention and love, focusing on positive, improved the entire situation. The character defect of craving attention from those who couldnt give it was removed.

As I read this I thought about how often disappointment was a theme before I came into the program. The more I have learned here, the more I have felt that disappointment or expectations that are not met are so often about what I am bringing to a situation, not about what others have done or not done.  Learning what my part in any given situation is has helped me to see what I can bring to it, rather than focusing on what I might get from it.

I hope everyone enjoys a peaceful Sunday, and a happy Easter to those who are celebrating.

Mary