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.
In today's reading, the author shares about how working with a sponsor helped them to learn how to take responsibility for their emotions, and express themselves in a more straightforward way. This started by being careful with words chosen for self-talk and communicating intentionally. Instead of thinking about someone "making me feel" a certain way, the author now understands that they have the power over their own emotions, and that they can instead talk about how they experienced something and what they want. This helped the author stop being a victim.
Today's Reminder: What do my words communicate? Do they express what I am trying to say? Today I will listen more closely to what my words have to say.
Today's Quote: "We learn in time that it is not subjects which are controversial, but the manner in which we communicate about them and the elements of personal blame we add to them in anger." The Dilemma of the Alcoholic Marriage
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What a timely reading for me today! My wife and I were having a discussion about communication recently, and I was able, thanks to this reading, of better understanding our differences.
What stood out to me in this reading was especially the focus on choosing our words carefully to ensure that they are really communicating our meaning. I appreciated as well the focus on how the author experienced something and what they want. It reminds me of some other Al-Anon readings about expressing needs, and letting go of what others do. Giving others the ability to say yes or no, and having both answers be acceptable is important to me.
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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
Thank you Skorpi for your service and ESH. This is a power packed reading reminding me that I am responsible for my emotions, actions, and words. I try to practice all of these, and of course, progress not perfection!
