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.
If only my alcoholic would get sober or handled sobriety differently I would be happy. But many if only's keep us feeling deprived-- if my boss, family, job, government, finances, would change in the way I want, then I could be happy. With Step 1 we learn that we are powerless over many things. The if only's make our lives unmanageable, and we need a Higher Power to restore us to sanity. When we stop acting like victims, we can take a more active role in finding happiness in the here and now. We can change our attitude and accept life as it is. We can be grateful and happy, with what we have.
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Yep that's all I had to do--change my attitude, accept I was powerless, lean into my HP and program, and then I'd be fine. Easier said than done! But with time, patience, and practice, this is exactly what I'm doing in recovery. My A is not sober and there are real life problems in many areas of my life. I can focus on the good, or dwell on the bad. I have choices and most of the time I can make good ones. :). Progress not perfection.
Great page, thank you for your service and both for your ESH of the program in action, the challenges of real life, but how consistency over time can melt stone.
I like the saying: We often overestimate what we can accomplish in a year, underestimate what we can in ten.
The Program reminds me of exercise, where the day's or even week's work is often not apparent, but if I keep at it consistently the change WILL happen.
Grateful for the reminders
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
