CHOICES

Nov 10, from “Strengthening My Recovery” daily reader

 “We are changing. We are beginning to see that we have choices.” BRB p. 578

Many of us used to think that making important choices was reserved for those who knew what they were doing, but that wasn’t us. We almost fainted at the prospect of trusting our own intuition about what direction we should take in life. We felt we needed the help of others who were obviously more qualified. We had no faith in our ability to be independent.

As we become true partners in recovery with our Higher Power, we see that we actually are capable of judging what is best for ourselves. We learn to pray and meditate, and allow the answers to come naturally as we create space to hear in a new way. We walk forward fearlessly, knowing also that we may make mistakes, but that mistakes can become important lessons that lead to greater freedom and self-esteem.

Our problems, when faced, can guide us to a better place where we no longer doubt ourselves. We find that the creativity that comes from exploration nurtures our souls and helps us to live more fully. We are finally happy being ourselves and would not trade our lives with anyone else.

On this day I will trust in my ability to make the right choices for myself and I no longer depend on others to give me all the answers. If I need a sounding board, I have my Higher Power and fellow travelers, who are there when I ask for them.

My experience:

Making choices was not the problem for me, understanding that I had choices was.  I was raised to do what was asked of you.  No matter the cost to you, no matter the effort.  As I grew older, my lack of knowledge that I could choose, made me angry.  So when folks “asked” me for something, I felt like I didn’t have a choice not to do it.  So I displayed a lot of anger.  Subconsciously, I displayed this anger so people would not ask me.  I now understand that I do have choices.  I have a choice to participate in the ask or not, and I have a choice of my level of participation.  This knowledge is so freeing and has changed my whole demeanor. 

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