Paying Attention

If I am getting in the way of my own best interests, a closer look at my behavior can lead to positive changes. By focusing on myself, I move toward freedom and serenity today.

“Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped.” Liberian proverb ~ Family Groups, Al-Anon. Courage to Change— One Day at a Time in Al‑Anon II. Al-Anon Family Groups. Kindle Edition.

I spent years ignoring my feelings,
intent on rescuing all those near.
Surely they were in need of my help.
But when I accept the fact this plan
left me filled with resentment
and usually those I intended to help
had equivalent resentments
for my trying to run the show,
it’s time to change. It’s time
to be aware of myself, my feelings,
my needs, areas I’ve ignored,
and leave running others’ lives
to the individual.
The things I can change are my own.
my thoughts, my feelings, myself.
I cannot change other people,
so I’ll leave that to then…and God.
By focusing on myself,
I move toward freedom
and serenity today. 

And I will move toward surrender,
toward God’s managing my life
and be aware when I slip
it’s far more important
to see where I slip
than to watch where I land.

 

Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped .  (image copyright : 9nong)

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