The slogan "Live and Let Live" can be extremely helpful when we are having trouble tolerating other people's behavior. We know for certain that nobody's behavior - no matter how offensive, distasteful or vicious - is worth the price of a relapse. Our own recovery is primary, and while we must be unafraid of walking away from people or situations that cause us discomfort, we must also make a special effort to try to understand other people - especially those who rub us the wrong way. Can I accept the fact, in my recovery, that it is more important to understand than to be understood?
Today I Pray
When I run headlong into someone's unpleasant behavior, may I first try my best to understand. Then, if my own sobriety seems threatened, may I have the courage to remove myself from the situation.
Wow, this is the slogan that I am most trying to take in and utilize in my recovery right now. It keeps shooting out at me from every which-way and planting itself firmly right in front of my eyeballs and in my ears.
This "Live and Let Live" is an extension of "Let Go and Let God"- which was the topic of a great discussion meeting I attended Sunday night. Often I say "Let Go and Let God" and apply it so far as direct circumstances are concerned... like letting go of situations, job issues, financial issues, health problems, etc. etc.... but when it comes to PEOPLE and their actions and attitudes, it is harder for me to remember, or to muster up the will to Let Go.
By repeating "Live and Let Live"... it reminds me about the PEOPLE in my life I need to let go of. Their actions and decisionis that I need to let go of. If I want them to respect my decisions, thoughts and feelings and let me live my own life, I must- MUST- allow them to have their own decisions, thoughts and feelings and allow them to live THEIR own lives. Do unto others, right? Attempt Reciprocation....
And even further, others may not reciprocate. They may still try to interfere. They may still doubt that I can or should live my own life according to my own values. I still need to let go. I still need to live independently of all that, and LET live. If someone is trying to control my life, I don't need to try to control theirs in turn. Sometimes the best chance I have at serenity for a day is to leave other people alone, in a loving way.... sometimes I get that back, sometimes not. But it's my tool to use or not use either way.
__________________
~Your Higher Power has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.
Morning Larry! man was this sure pertinent when I started attending another fellowship for parents,relatives and friends of addicts/alcoholics.years ago..... Letting go and Letting God, WERE NICE THOUGHTS IN GENERAL, but getting out of the way and letting that happen was certainly ,and at times still is, most difficult..My 24 year old son,working recovery,has thrived since he has been allowed to "live and let live".We all know where our best thinking got us and even as parents ,we must incorporate our spiritual principles in all our affairs.Thanks for reminder,that God is in charge and to really 'LIVE AND LET LIVE............
__________________
Selfishness-self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.
....