Motivation Mondays
5/27/19
Forgiveness
Today’s Reminder: Forgiveness
“Forgiving is not forgetting, it’s letting go of the hurt.”
~ Mary McLeod Bethune ~

Courage to Change Series: Focusing on Forgiveness
*Page 178*
Forgiveness can just be a change of attitude. I came to Al-Anon full of bitterness toward the alcoholic in my life. When I realized that my bitterness hurt me more than anyone else, I began to search for another way to view my situation. In time, I came to believe that my alcoholic loved one might be the messenger my Higher Power used to let me know that I needed to get help. It is not fair to shackle her with credit or blame for the amount of time it took for me to pay attention to that message. I chose to tolerate a great deal of unacceptable behavior because I was unwilling to admit that I needed help. I did the best I could with the tools and knowledge I had at hand, and I believe that she did too. Eventually the message got through. I made it to the rooms of Al-Anon, and my life changed in miraculous ways. I don’t deny that hurtful things were said and done along the way, but I refuse to carry the burden of bitterness any further. Instead, I am grateful for what I have learned.
3 C’s of Al-Anon
- We didn’t CAUSE it
- We can’t CONTROL it
- We can’t CURE it
AND WE WON’T CONTRIBUTE TO IT TODAY
Questions to Consider This Week
- Can I identify areas of my past that I have been unwilling to let go of and are now hindering my own happiness? Will I begin to commit these areas to prayer and meditation?
- Have I written 4th Step Inventory in a 12 Step process to rid myself of resentment, hurt and anger? If not, will I consider attending Al-Anon and working the steps?
- Is it possible that my loved one’s alcoholism or addiction can be a blessing to my life? Will I allow this to drive me further into relationship with my Higher Power?
- Am I willing to not only attempt to forgive the past hurt brought on by alcoholism and addiction but to forgive myself? When we know better, we do better. This will be part of our journey and ultimately a way to help other families still struggling.