CHANGE IN THE WORKPLACE

July 6, from “Strengthening My Recovery” daily reader

“By using our program and the support of our fellowship, we learn that we can affect changes in our working lives.” BRBp.425

“At work many of us noticed we were extremely uncomfortable. When we talked about our job difficulties, an ACA member asked if we’d ever read Chapter 14, “Taking Our Program to Work.”

When we read it, we couldn’t believe how true it was. Again, ACA literature told us things about ourselves we didn’t know. We started to see ourselves and our jobs with fresh eyes. We learned that we related to people at our jobs as though they were our families of origin. We saw them through the filter of our Laundry List Traits, and we acted accordingly with each person, depending on their mood and/or who they reminded us of from our family.

By relying on a Higher Power, the support of our meetings and fellow travelers, and our continuing work on the Steps, we now notice little changes here and there. We are able to pause and ask ourselves, “Is this big reaction I’m feeling based on the here and now? What does it remind me of?”  We use our recovery tools and call or email our recovery supporters during these times to process our experiences. Before we know it, our recovery is present in all parts of our lives, especially on the job.

On this day I will remember that I am safe and important, whether I am home, at work, or somewhere in between.”

My Experience:

What a blessing to have this program to take to work.  My job has me displaying a lot of control which historically would feed my ACA tendencies.  However, with my program I now display compassionate control.  I assess the situation and with compassion and kindness I provide guidance and direction appropriately instead of in an authoritarian sort of way.  This allows me to be congruent and consistent with my program that I work and not be out of balance.

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