my daily reflections…

the big book gives clear suggestion on how i am to handle anger if i want to be free of it. it says that when i am sufferin from such a strong emotion as anger, that i cannot wish it away any more than i could my want for alcohol. whether or not it is a luxury for one who doesnt suffer from alcoholism, for me it is a form of spiritual disease that leads me straight back to the depths of my alcoholism. many times, i must think of the one that gave me reason to be angry was possibly just as spiritually sick as i am. when i feel anger whether it is toward another, myself, or some situation, the big book says that i am to ask God to help me show, what ev is causin it, the same tolerance, pity, and patience that we would cheerfully grant a sick friend. that when i am offended i am to ask Him how can i be helpful, i am to ask my HP to save me from bein angry, and that His will, not mine, be done. simply said, simply read, but not easily done sometimes for me. i am to avoid retaliation or argument. if i want to live the “golden rule” and not destroy any chance of bein helpful, i must seek out His will and do it as best as i can. that with faith in my HP, he will show me how to take a kindly and tolerant view. the further instruction is that i put out of my minds the wrongs perceived, that i resolutely look for my own mistakes. where had i been selfish, dishonest, self-seekin, or frightened. it brings to me the idea that though a situation had not been entirely my fault, i try to disregard another person entirely. it asks me to see where i may have been to blame. this vital idea/inventory is mine, not the other person or situation. i am to admit my wrongs honestly and be willin to set matters straight. in my experience, when i have asked my HP to help me discover Him in my doubt and confusion i am set free of anger, fear, and resentment. calm, helpful, action talks louder than anger, fear, or any other rampagin emotion. im not to be intimidated by emotional outbursts, because i know that persistent, rational action will see me through. when i use a spiritual approach in such situations, cause mostly, there is virtually no other healthy solution, i am made stronger within. it goes without sayin that faith makes the impossible possible for me. when confronted by the many-headed hydra of anger, fear, or resentment, usin what others have shown me, what recovery has gifted me with, i get to grow spiritually. 1 day @ a time...