One Day at a Time in Al-Anon:
Would I stand on the seashore and, like King Canute of the ancient legend, try to command the tides? It is just as fruitless to try to control the alcoholic. Yet this is what I would be doing in attempting to force sobriety by my will-power.
I must honestly admit that I am not even able to control my own thoughts, words and actions. There is much room for improvement. My first obligation is to make a truly satisfying life for myself. To do this, I must work on my own shortcomings, get on better terms with myself and those around me.
Today’s Reminder:
I will devote myself to overcoming my flaws of character and controlling my impulsive words and actions. This will leave me no time to concern myself with remodeling the alcoholic.
Once I withdraw my interference and protection, the alcoholic may realize that sobriety must be a personal, individual problem which no one else can solve for him.
“I pray for the wisdom to know that no other person’s salvation depends upon me, but on himself and God.”