Alcoholics Anonymous
Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> Accepting the Journey of Others
Post Info TOPIC: Accepting the Journey of Others
Wren


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 256
Date:
Accepting the Journey of Others
Permalink  
 

Giving The Freedom To Live
Accepting The Journeys Of Others

Each of us, in life, walks on the special path that the soul is destined to undertake. Our journeys are very different and we progress at different rates. The pitfalls and blessings we encounter are unique, yet we are all learning and no one form of knowledge is more important than any other. Even so, when we observe others, it can be easy to pass judgment on their decisions and to assume their actions will correspond with what we feel is right. But for every problem, there are a multitude of solutions. Everyone makes mistakes and, while watching others do so can be frustrating, it is important that you accept each person's unique way of doing things. Giving others the freedom to act in the way they feel are best without the fear of harsh judgments honors the capacity for growth that all people possess.

It is helpful to practice accepting others as they are. Never judge the decisions of others based on the path you would have taken because every person lives by different values and experiences. Challenge is a universal concept, but we all deal with difficulties in our own way. Give others the space to fail, but don't harden your heart against their experience. It isn't wise to try and fix people or control situations. You may feel compelled to intervene when difficulties arise, but it is important only to offer guidance when asked unless the person is involved in a truly dangerous situation or cannot act for themselves. Failure to choose the right path or to make enlightened decisions is simply another step on the journey. It is a means to experience and wisdom. Letting go of the need to influence others does not discount offering loving support and it does not mean that you need to stop caring. It does mean stepping back, dissolving judgment, and gracefully allowing others to live their own destinies.

Giving others the freedom to blossom in their own journeys gives you the freedom to take more notice of your own. You may not condone the actions you see taking place, but your reactions will be more loving by letting them be. And you will be able to focus on just being yourself, confident that the path you take is as right, valid, and special as any other.


Just for today, let me release my control issues, and allow others to find their own truths.


Wren


 



__________________
i found god in myself/and I loved her/i loved her fiercely--Ntozake Shange
jmc612989


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 18
Date:
Permalink  
 

 Being nonjudgemental ain't easy....I always had the following attitude..

Lord, "I pray that you remove every single defective


character who stand in my way!"

Sigh

I remain forever grateful that I'm Done Drinkin
Yours In Recovery
John C

http://donedrinkin.blogspot.com/



__________________
John Carothers
lehrbob


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 16
Date:
Permalink  
 

I've spent a little time on www.healthboards.com - addiction site and have come to the conclusion that the board should be re-named to www.denialboards.com Does accepting the journey of others include those in deep denial? I know the answer to that one already! Sure is hard looking at all the pain out there in the world. I've been wondering if it's worth me trying at all and going back to apathy and ignorance(ie: I don't know and I don't give a shit!). On second thought, I think I'll focus on those who want it, not those who need it!

__________________
Wren


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 256
Date:
Permalink  
 

I will always be grateful to Colletta L., Lou C., Bev B., Theo L, Andie W., and all the others in Paradise, CA. who, over 23 years ago were there for me while I vomited blood and swore up and down that my choice to live or die was mine alone, and I didn't need nor want to hear what they had to say about A.A. They listened to my rants, they checked in with me once in awhile, visited me at the hospital far too many times, offered to take me to meetings, and walked at a distance so that when I was ready, I could look over my shoulder and see that they were there for me. May I continue in that loving service to the alcoholic who still suffers, and has the desire to stop drinking. I will never be able to keep what those wonderful people gave to me if I did not give it away when I see the person who, like me, was "constitutionally incapable". They stepped back, allowed me to take my journey to the parts of hell I chose, and when I had dug down deep enough, offered their hands to bring me back out of the pit. I hope I never ever lose sight of where I came from.

__________________
i found god in myself/and I loved her/i loved her fiercely--Ntozake Shange
Toni Baloney


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 1170
Date:
Permalink  
 

Hi Chris,

Thank you for this, Every path is individual, and seperate from each other.

No judgement necessary, just acknowledging that my own denial had a thick brick texture to it. Felt comfort in those words, that some are sicker than others, did not seem to matter how, I finally arrived at being here, the great fact for me was that I was still welcome, with arms wide open.

Reminds me of inviting, say 100 people over to your house that live all across the country, the fact that they are there, together is what really counts, and when the ones that arrive late, are finally there, just so happy to see their faces, and that they were able to make the trip, is all that matters. Proverbial thought, only, for the door remains open to ALL others that want to come in.

We are so very Blessed with this Program,Humbles me daily.

Love and Hugs, Toni

__________________
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> Accepting the Journey of Others