Courage to Change:
Who am I? When I came to Al-Anon, I thought I knew the answer to that question, but I discovered that my answers were all out-of-date because I had long ago stopped asking myself who I was. I could tell you about the alcoholics and everyone else in my life—their likes and dislikes, opinions, feelings—but I had no such answers for myself.
Al-Anon gave me Twelve Steps with which to rediscover myself. Making a searching and fearless moral inventory of myself and sharing it with a trusted friend (Steps Four and Five) were especially helpful. It was the first time in a long time I had paid so much attention to myself! I also learned about myself by listening in meetings—when I identified with others, I gained insight into my own thoughts and feelings.
Today I know that I am a passionate, generous, opinionated, moody, honest, tactful, stubborn person. I know how I feel and what I think on an assortment of topics, and I am aware when these thoughts and feelings change. Al-Anon has given me back the only thing that was ever really mine to keep: myself.
Today’s Reminder:
Recovery is a wonderful word. It means getting something back. Today I will try to remember that “that something” is me.
“If a man happens to find himself…he has a mansion which he can inhabit with dignity all the days of his life.” – James Michener