January 20 in The Little Blue Book ONE DAY at a TIME in AL-ANON
January 20 in The Little Blue Book ONE DAY at a TIME in AL-ANON:
I cannot hurt others without hurting myself. This is a compelling reason for taking thought before I release words that might set off an angry interchange. Have I ever considered that the impulse to say something unkind comes from my own guilt and unease, which erupts in blows against others?
It may be a momentary release for me, but it returns like a boomerang to increase my own discomfort. Impatience with others only generates their impatience with me. Impulsive criticism at an Al-Anon meeting can affect the unity of the group on which I depend for my help.
TODAY’S REMINDER
If only I can learn to quiet my mind before I speak! I do not want to act with impatience and hostility, for I know it will react on me. It is a mistake to think this requires self-control; patience can be acquired by learning to let go of self-will.
Jonathan Swift said, “Whoever is out of patience is out of possession of his soul. Men must not turn into bees who kill themselves in stinging others.”