How many times have I repeated this phrase to a friend, a sponsee, a family member? \u00a0More times than I can count. \u00a0And I believe it. \u00a0For them. \u00a0And occasionally for me too. \u00a0However, I am struggling with a situation currently that I am not ready to embrace as something I need. \u00a0I know what I need to do. \u00a0Darn it! \u00a0I need to be grateful for it, for the lesson it is offering me, and for the growth that’s promised as the result of the situation. \u00a0But right now, I want to resist. \u00a0I want to make someone else responsible. \u00a0I want to say, “Not fair. \u00a0I don’t deserve this.”<\/p>\n
And actually, it’s not even about deserving something or not. \u00a0It’s simply about accepting a situation that I can’t change or control in any way. \u00a0There is one person I can control and we all know who she is. \u00a0My responses to people, places and things are entirely of my own choosing. \u00a0The question is, “Do I want to be peaceful or right?” \u00a0I have chosen to insist I am right on far too many occasions and the result was painful. \u00a0I don’t want to take that route any more. \u00a0I really don’t.<\/p>\n
I have talked this over with friends. \u00a0I have shared it at more than one meeting. \u00a0And I have prayed and meditated but I haven’t allowed myself to get free of the mental obsession that the situation should be different. \u00a0I’ve been traveling this recovery path nearly 40 years. \u00a0I’m a bit ashamed to be caught in a quagmire that is so miniscule. \u00a0The ego never matures, however. \u00a0And it’s the ego that is at the helm of my obsession.<\/p>\n
One of the first things we learn in recovery is to pray for the people we resent. \u00a0Some say pray for them for two weeks. \u00a0My sponsor always said a month of prayer was necessary. \u00a0I am beginning my month long prayer commitment today. \u00a0By December 20th I should be in a far better place. \u00a0Just in time for the holidays. \u00a0Seems like a good idea, doesn’t it? \u00a0If you are having a problem that is similar to mine, why don’t you join me on this commitment? \u00a0Being at greater peace will definitely add to the peace felt throughout the universe too. \u00a0This is a truth I cherish.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
How many times have I repeated this phrase to a friend, a sponsee, a family member? \u00a0More times than I can count. \u00a0And I believe it. \u00a0For them. \u00a0And occasionally for me too. \u00a0However, I am struggling with a situation currently that I am not ready to embrace as something I need. \u00a0I know what […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[4,10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3375","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-circle-of-family-and-friends-you-and-your-personal-community","category-reflections-in-the-mirror-you-and-yourself"],"yoast_head":"\n