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.
This reading speaks about prior to program people may hide in shame from their flaws or beat themselves up. We are reminded to let go of our impatience, self-criticism, and self-hatred. We can ask our Higher Power for help, and accept that making mistakes is a part of life. Therefore we will always be like a beginner--there are constantly new challenges, and we risk making a mistake. We should applaud ourselves for trying and be unafraid of making mistakes.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I had a chance to practice this during the weekend. My A shared some information that gave me a PTSD type reaction. I was shocked to hear the info and thought this situation had been resolved long ago. But it isn't resolved at all and is ongoing. For about 24 hours I experienced some anxiety and depression, and then I felt disappointed in myself for not coping better. Where was my toolbox? Sunday was a much better day and with each hour I felt myself getting stronger and my usual coping skills kicked in. I need to remember that I will always be flawed and cannot expect to cope beautifully with every situation placed before me. I'm human, need this program to continue my recovery, and must keep in mind, progress not perfection.
Thanks for your service and this reading about making mistakes and forgiving ourselves. I hope you are having a good week and continue to feel as good as you had on Sunday. I can relate to reacting rather than responding when met with unexpected actions or words from those close to me. I hope you've found whatever Al-anon tool you felt you needed to meet the challenges at home.
I especially like part of one sentence in this reading. It says, "A friend and I resolve that in the future we will try less, accept more, let go..." This reminds me to practice Easy Does it rather than judging the outcomes of my choices through a success/failure lens. The reading also affirms that it takes courage to risk to participate rather than stay on the sidelines of life. My personal experience has been that I learn new ways of doing things from the mistakes I make. I also learn more about my resilience, my ability to sit with the discomfort of not having an instant answer, wrong answer or unexpected answer either negative or positive. The program has helped me to become more resourceful and curious and less frustrated and self reproaching. I'm grateful that I can not only seek answers but admit I don't know what I don't know and for help from my hp and others.
-- Edited by tiredtonite on Wednesday 13th of March 2024 09:09:54 AM
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Surround yourself with people and elements that support your destiny, not just your history.
