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Courage to Change:

As I worked my way through Step Four, I listed my character traits as honestly and fearlessly as I could. I was struck by a great irony: Many things I had once thought of as virtues — taking care of everyone around me, worrying about other people’s lives, sacrificing my own happiness and prosperity — turned out to be the causes of my misery! And those traits I had always ignored — talent, optimism, self-discipline — turned out to be my truly positive qualities. It was as though, through the power of this Step, I had found a way to turn my upside-down personality right-side up.

I still struggle to keep it all from turning over once again. But when I see myself clearly, I have a sense of wholeness and a feeling of pride and peace. I can be happy to be myself now that I know who I am.

Today’s Reminder:

My life is in a constant state of change. Awareness allows me to keep pace with that change. Today let me listen to my words and watch my actions. Only by knowing the person I am can I create the person I want to become.

“Each man must look to himself to teach him the meaning of life. It is not something discovered: it is something molded.”
– Antoine de Saint-Exupery

From the book “Courage to Change”. Copyright Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 1992