Motivation Mondays

4/22/19
Authenticity

Weekly Focal Point: Authenticity

“We are constantly invited to be who we are.”

~ Henry David Thoreau

Courage to Change Series: Authenticity

*Page 222*

Before coming to Al-Anon, I never felt I could be myself around other people. I was too busy trying to be what others wanted me to be, afraid people wouldn’t accept me the way I am. But with my first Al-Anon meeting I felt at ease. Members talked about common characteristics that I recognized myself. “They’re talking about themselves, but they’re describing me!” I thought. “I’m not crazy after all!” Meetings helped me to realize that there are many people in this world like me – people who had been affected by another’s alcoholism. I didn’t have to lie to people in those meetings, and eventually I learned that I didn’t have to lie to anyone anywhere. I came to see that I can live my life for inner peace and not for outward appearances.

3 C’s of Al-Anon

  1. We didn’t CAUSE it
  2. We can’t CONTROL it
  3. We can’t CURE it

AND WE WON’T CONTRIBUTE TO IT TODAY

Questions to Consider This Week

  1. With whom in my life do I consistently alter myself to gain approval?
  2. Has maintaining an image become more important than my emotional freedom today?
  3. Am I willing to be honest in prayer about my desire for other’s approval? Do I believe that my Higher Power can and will give me the assurances that I seek from outside sources?
  4. Can I give myself a break when I see that I am not always practicing authenticity?