One Day at a Time in Al-Anon:
It is often suggested in Al-Anon that we examine our motives. It isn’t easy to ask “Why did I do that?” and conscientiously track the fault to its source. Did I really mean to let those resentful words escape from me — did I intend to hurt? Or was I giving vent to the pressure of a deeper discomfort: guilt, inadequacy or fear? When I looked closely at my reasons, did I believe that what I said or did was justified?
We may justify our actions, but often we only rationalize, or sidestep the truth. As we dig down deep to uncover our motives, we discover how painful it is to admit, even to ourselves, that we are wrong. Al-Anon places a high value on self-honesty; facing up to our faults is the first step toward overcoming them.
Today’s Reminder:
I am on the way to achieving maturity when I can cheerfully accept the fact that I am not always right. Then new truths can penetrate and open my mind to the helpful influences all around me.
“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but God pondereth the hearts.”
— Proverbs