We can also use the steps to improve our attitudes. Our best thinking got us into trouble. We recognize the need for change.
Basic Text, p. 55
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When new in recovery, most of us had at least one person we just couldnt stand. We thought that person was the rudest, most obnoxious person in the program. We knew there was something we could do, some principle of recovery we could practice to get over the way we felt about this personbut what? We asked our sponsor for guidance. We were probably assured, with an amused smile, that if we just kept coming back, wed see the person get better. That made sense to us. We believed that the steps of NA worked in the lives of everyone. If they could work for us, they could work for this horrible person, too.
Time passed, and at some point we noticed that the person didnt seem as rude or obnoxious as before. In fact, he or she had become downright tolerable, maybe even likeable. We got a pleasant jolt as we realized who had really gotten better. Because we had kept coming back, because we had kept working the steps, our perception of this person had changed. The person whod plagued us had become tolerable because wed developed some tolerance; he or she had become likeable because wed developed the ability to love.
So who really gets better? We do! As we practice the program, we gain a whole new outlook on those around us by gaining a new outlook on ourselves.
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Just for today: As I get better, so will others. Today, I will practice tolerance and try to love those I meet.
...sometimes it comes to exercising boundaries.....I race sailboats,,went to a distant location ,,picked up a couple of locals to crew,,,,,,the young guy was great,,the older fellow not so much.......within 2 minutes of meeting,,I found myself suggesting that we need to be calm,,familiarize ,,enjoy our time...............over an hour of 'events' I certainly found myself practicing tolerance,,staying calm,,,,,,,,,,,then got to see how I start to say pleeeeze a lot as I get angry in a calm way,,,,but there comes a certain point where boundaries take precedence over tolerance,,in this case it meant giving up on racing,,drop the fellow off,,before proceeding with a fun,calm weekend
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...gawd,,,please don't let me -ever- forget why I came here in the first place!!(my 'senility' prayer)
