COURAGE MONTH: DAY 13: “Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson
Most of us are professional victims. We are stuck in wanting the rest of the world to tell us how much they approve of our lives, our behavior, our hair, our clothes, all of it.
When we do that, and seek approval all of the time, we are frozen in indecision and uncertainty. We have not learned to trust our inner voice, which IS the voice of a Power Greater than us. It is the reason we do what we do, to establish that relationship that will allow us guidance and direction for the rest of our lives, if we stay in recovery.
The ENTIRE purpose of 12 steps is to receive and experience a spiritual connection and establish a path of communication with that Power. The ONLY purpose.
So, letting others give us advice is a horrible way to live. We must decide, for ourselves, all those things that make up life. Why? Because letting others make your decisions is a setup for being a victim, again and again and again.
When I do that, I am like the silver ball in a pinball machine. I have no say over my own life. I am performing a pre-meditated resentment. I will end up angry and resentful every time. I do not need any one’s opinions or input on my life. I will listen only to my sponsor and anyone else who may be involved in the situation about which I am making a decision.
My life is no ones’ business but mine and that Power with whom I have a wonderful and fulfilling relationship. I gave that Power my will and my life and get it back, every day, with a whole new set of adventures.
The only courage I need then is to live it fully, even when I hear your voices chirping at me to “Do this or Don’t Do that.” Whatever? I can so easily let you chirp and walk away. My life is awesome and no one else sleeps with my head on their pillow at night.
I sleep very well, too. I don’t doubt myself or my course of action. I have done my part. I pray and meditate every single day. I write my thank you letter to that Power and I just keep getting more and more to be grateful for.
I work with others and give away of myself all that I can. My life is spent in service. It is awesome! I get to do and be the person I always dreamed of. I live where I dreamed of living and how I dreamed of living there. And I never ask for advice.
In fact, when someone insists on giving it to me, I just tell them: “We all have opinions. You know what they say about opinions. They are just like assholes. I would rather you keep both your opinions and your asshole to yourself.” And I practice the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” philosophy. If you don’t ask for my opinion, I don’t give it; and I expect that same respect from you.
It works…it all works…and I love everything I get around here
Dolphin Hug 