Personal Intolerance

[RufusACanal]

"Instead, we looked at the human defects of these people, and sometimes used their shortcomings as a basis of wholesale condemnation. We talked of intolerance, while we were intolerant ourselves. We missed the reality and the beauty of the forest because we were diverted by the ugliness of some of its trees. We never gave the spiritual side of life a fair hearing."

[kelsh]

Hi Rufus,

Most of my life I have always been a person not to make snap judgments of anything or anyone unless it is very much a noticeable part of their personality. I do like to give people a second or more chances to prove themselves as doing what is right for them.

It is very easy to focus on one or two bad aspects of a person, place, or thing even though we know there is a whole person/group there.

I have to know myself, have faith in myself, & most of all have some lengthy & good experiences with AA before I can share with another person. I really feel if I find some one thing wrong with another...I need to look at myself because it might be lurking within me.

Everyone from New to Oldtimer alcoholics need to know they are okay and not be berated because they don't know it all at once....AA is one way to get sober and stay sober. Some people deny AA, thinking it is a "God" program which it is not....it is a Spiritual Program of one's choosing.

Sometimes it takes a while to get this part of the program....it took me quite a while but I do have my Spiritual Program within my heart & know when I do right or wrong by just how I feel. :

kelsh

[nandm]

If we are so competent to judge the lives, activities, and beliefs of others why is our own life in such a state of disorder? Our prejudice towards spirituality and religion does nothing for us and only prevents us from seeing that faith helps people live happier and more useful lives. Acting upon our misguided ideas and attitudes has stripped our lives of purpose and meaning. Setting aside these ideas that have failed us will allow us to begin on the path to true happiness and usefulness.

[lizw]

Heard in AA: When you're pointing the finger at someone, there's always three pointing back at you.

AKA

Men who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

[gravity]

One of the greatest blessings of the 12 steps and sobriety is that more & more, I feel comfortable in my own skin. In the past, there was always this underlying feeling of being different, of inferiority whenever I interacted with other people. I’m not a good enough husband, father, friend, worker. With colleagues, family, even strangers.

Today, I accept who I am - an imperfect human being. While I do recognize that we all have our individual differences (strengths, weaknesses, beliefs, personalities, histories), I clearly see how we are the same – our spiritual nature, that we are all human. I am no better or worse than anybody else.

For the first time in my life, I no longer feel like I am on the outside looking in. I feel a part of the human race. I don’t know if others have experienced this but it is amazing.

Sometimes, the actions of others do upset me and I may react in a negative way but not to the same degree as in the past. I am getting much more comfortable with understanding, forgiving & praying for others. Why not? They are just like me.

[Tazman53]

For the first time in my life, I no longer feel like I am on the outside looking in. I feel a part of the human race. I don’t know if others have experienced this but it is amazing.

Gravity you are not alone in that feeling, I feel the same way and it is awesome!!!