"DECEMBER CANDLE"(From "One Day At A Time In Al-Anon", December 1)
"Throughout this month, which brings us to the closing of another year, I will review the happenings of my life as though I were standing just a little way off trying to see myself as another person.
Have I made progress in my effort to correct my faulty attitudes? Have I let discouragement plunge me back into my old habit patterns? When something I did had consequences that made life difficult for me, did I try to blame someone else?
How has Al-Anon helped me to realize some of my potential as a person?"
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What a wonderful idea - taking an inventory of the past year. It is hard to see myself - easy to see others. I'll use this suggestion of trying to see myself as if I were someone else.
Looking back, one thing is for sure - nothing remains the same - everything changes. Seeing the past, the greatest challenge I faced in 2008 - a return to earth - affected my mood, my attitudes, and my interactions with others.
At the end of last year (2007) and all the way through Easter, I was on an extreme "spiritual high". I was involved in the RCIA (Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults) and became Catholic in a beautiful ceremony on the night before Easter.
As the months of summer passed one after another, God gradually brought me down from this "high". It was very difficult. I love being "high" without the use of any chemical, food, or action other than just loving and honoring God. I NEVER wanted to come down. But, this super high eventually had to begin it's journey back to earth - despite me.
In the Big Book of "Alcoholics Anonymous", p. 130, it says, "....a growing consciousness of the power of God in our lives. We have come to believe He would like us to keep our heads in the clouds with Him, but that our feet ought to be firmly planted on earth. That is where our fellow travelers are, and that is where our work must be done."
This quote speaks volumes to me and reassures me that I'm O.K. My head was too high in the clouds, my feet were lifting off ground, and I needed to come back down. But, I didn't want to crash and end up depressed.
I have had to rely heavily on God and all that I have learned in Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon. It has been a real lesson in acceptance. I have found peace of mind and serenity in that act of accepting my "coming down".
I made a decision on July 5, 1985 to turn my will and my life over to the care of God as I understood Him. As best as I'm able, I haven't taken it back. It has been a real lesson in humility to be satisfied with the state of my spiritual height or depth. Peace of mind and serenity are the result of my acceptance. Priceless gifts.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.
Prayer Girl
(Photo credit: Evy Johansen)
9 comments:
Thank you for sharing this. I became Catholic nearly 4 years ago. I could relate to much of what you've written here.
good plan. i think i'll do this too.
Why does it seem the year went so fast? I guess I was on a bit of a "high" too. Good post.
I really like the idea of looking back over the year too. I journal every day and have for years. It's been an easy way to see exactly where my attitudes are. jeNN
What a great Idea PG! I think if I could figure out a way to incorporate it into my new years table with my family - it would be so great and healing!
As it is now we give a goal we set for ourselves fo the next year - we state it out loud - but adding in our thoughts on ourselves from the past year would be - could be so wonderful.
Thank you for sharing this with me today!
Cat
A review of the last 12 months is a wonderful idea. Wonder what you'll find. I feel as though I'm being drawn in by God. A long and slow process that is bringing into my life people such as you. I thank God and you for that. I look forward to reading your posts.
I too reflect this time of year. I journal a lot and so when I flip back I see where I grew, struggled, and rebelled lol
this was a good post for me thanks for sharing it
I love this as a plan and I carry that passage from the BB with me in my purse, it is very important for me to realize where I belong and at what size. Thank you as always for your amazing posts!
Peace,
G~*
It's a good idea to take that inventory. I do the daily one. But can see as I look back that I've made much progress in my attitude over the past year.
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