This is posted from the "Today's Hope" site of Alanon.
DAILY SLOGAN/SAYING: Resentments are like peeing your pants--they don't affect anyone quite as much as you!
- Heard in a meeting
DAILY REFLECTION: Empathy Compassion and understanding on my part can have the power to heal…
- One Day at a Time in Alanon, p. 24
In my life, a lot of situations have occurred that I have still not been able to fully come to terms with as yet. I felt my boundaries had been so deeply violated that I would never be able to process and forgive the other person in those interactions. Moreover, I realize now that deep down, I was angry with myself for not protecting myself in all those situations – even ones that I couldn’t control.
The other day, I was sitting with a friend of mine and he said something condescending to me. In that moment, rather than feeling angry or hurt, somehow I was able to feel compassion for him. I established my boundary and ask that he not say those sorts of things to me, but I did not judge him. Instead, I felt empathy for him and realized what a dark place he was in to say those things to me. By feeling this empathy, I was able to forgive him and forgive myself. It was such a feeling of peace!
I was shocked that I responded in this way. I believe that it was my Higher Power gently was reminding me that I can still grow and change, that I am still capable of compassion for others that I feel have hurt me, and that when I do, I myself am healed. I hope that one day I am able to feel this compassion universally – including for myself!
Daily share from the forum can be found here:
Today's Sharing - Today's Hope 