serafaery

"Before I came to Al-Anon, my attitudes were based on fear. I cast all of my doubts and feelings of unworthiness onto other people. I set myself up as a victim. I always acted upon my anxiety, and I was forever reacting. Most times my reactions came in the form of blaming, running, or freezing. When I blamed others, I didn't have to feel my deep sense of shame. I ran because facing my fear and hurt seemed too difficult. I froze because frozen hearts cannot feel pain.

Al-Anon has given me a fresh way to view my life. I no longer choose to be a victim. Now I choose to take responsibility for my actions. I choose how I act, how I think, and how I feel about any situation that arises. I can choose fear, or I can choose love. Fear keeps me shut off and unhealed. Love opens me up and heals me. Today I choose love.

Choosing love means I stay away from physically, emotionally, or spiritually unhealthy situations. I no longer accept unacceptable behavior. I love myself and care about myself enough to walk away from hurtful people and relationships. I look at my part in situations, own my mistakes, and change my behavior. Choosing love means I accept and embrace my humanity and that of others. Then... I can see defects and weaknesses with compassion, which brings me release, joy, and serenity."

(Hope for Today)