Freedom – Episode 241

What does freedom mean to you? What freedom have you found in recovery? Eric suggested this topic, and we were loosely guided in our conversation by this outline. * Definition of freedom? Many definitions… * Do I believe that freedom only comes from being in control of my life? * What does it mean to me (now) that “freedom can only come from acceptance”? * The blog “Through an Al-Anon Filter” says If I want peace, I must give my program away to others. If I want growth, I must give up my belief in my own “rightness.” If I want serenity, I must give up self-will, and be open to my Higher Power. If I want freedom, I must give up my need to control. … If I want real, lasting change, I must give up my safe misery. * (How) do I understand this in my life? * Concept Three 
The Right of Decision makes effective leadership possible. * We have the right to decide, to make choices. This is a powerful idea and one that many of us may have lost sight of growing up in families that were dysfunctional. * “When I began studying Concept Three, I found the answer. It wasn’t alcoholism that bothered me. It was someone taking away my right of decision.” Reaching for Personal Freedom p. 132 * What freedom(s) have I found in recovery? * Free to live my life. I don’t have to follow the whims and wishes of my loved one (I can choose to do so, but I don’t have to.) * Free to take care of myself (instead of my loved one). * Free to grow. * Free to laugh. * Free to make choices. * Free to know myself. * Free to let go of the past (but not wish to shut the door on it). * Free to find gratitude in the little (and the big) things, even when some part of my life sucks. * I am becoming Free FROM; * Despair * Sadness * Loneliness * Isolation * Anxiety * Blame * Resentments * Feeling trapped * Fear * Anger * Guilt * Shame * Dependence (on others) * Expectations (of others) * I am become FREE TO; * Live and Let Live * Let It Go * Surrender without giving up * Say No (and feel good about it) * Detach, with love * Set boundaries * Allow consequences to happen * Love, not need * Walk away * Feel, without fear * Say what I mean * Go slow * Enjoy solitude * Be happy * Have choices * Take risks * To be wrong * Trust * Laugh more (Promise 12) * Who knew!?  (as my sponsor said yesterday when I read him my list… 😊) * We want to be “happy, joyous, and free” Upcoming topics include is talking to young children about recovery. Also parenting in all its aspects. And, violence by the “Al-Anon” in a relationship. Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email [email protected] with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here. Links We read from the blog “Through an Al-Anon Filter”, which you can find at http://al-anonfilter.blogspot.com/. The post about freedom is at http://al-anonfilter.blogspot.com/2009/05/freedom.html During “our lives in recovery”, Spencer mentioned a poem he had heard at church. Here is a link: https://twitter.