Self will

[Jay S]

Struggling with self and the direction I would like to go. At times I just want to retreat in life. Isolation becomes a thought and a dangerous one at that. The trouble with isolation is that lonliness increases with the lack of action. On closer examination of self, I find that some changes need to occur within me. Trying to do the right thing isn?t always easy. Simply put simple isn?t always easy.
Honest self- appraisal results in a new discovery. I need to be more active in the spiritual plan of action called Alcoholics Anonymous. The action of getting on one?s knees to pray to the GOD may be a vital part of increasing my spiritual contact.
I struggle with the day to day things. My day have been turned upside down by my self-will and other things I can?t control. Thanking GOD and asking for direction, guidance just is not enough. I must try to do his will in all aspects of my life. Remember to practice these principles in all my affairs
All I have is a daily reprieve based on my spirituality. Freedom from the drink was just a start.

[Futy]

Free will is what we really have. Each day we have the choice to do what is right and good, or what is wrong and evil. We choose between fulfilling our own desires to the detriment of others, and helping others in order that we may find true contentment. The struggle is in taking the time to realize that helping others and meeting their needs actually brings our own happiness, rather than simply fulfilling the short sighted desires of our own instinctual drives. Our capacity for Reason and the free will that results from it is what sets us apart from animals and gives us the ability to seek a higher spiritual realm.

[CarolD]

I operate my life very simply.

As long as I do not drink
and follow the Golden Rule

I consider myself successful.

Thanks for letting me share

[jools]

What is self-will was the question I had to ask myself. so I looked up the meaning of the word : stubborn or willful adherence to one's own desires or ideas. Then I looked up the Thesaurus: stubborn, headstrong obstinate opinionated pig-headed stiffed-necked ungovernable, willful stubborn as a mule.

Then it was suggested that I go thru (on page 61) and change the words to make it first person and put my name. So it went like this:-

If Jools arrangements would only stay put, if only people would do as Jools wished, the show would be great. Everybody, including Jools, would be pleased. Life would be wonderful. In trying to make these arrangements Jools may sometimes be quite virtuous. Jools may be kind, considerate, patient, generous; even modest and self-sacrificing. On the other hand, Jools may be mean, egotistical, selfish and dishonest. But as with most humans Jools is more likely to have varied traits.

What usually happens? The show doesn't cone off very well. Jools begins to think life doesn't treat her right. Jools decides to exert herself more. Jools becomes on the next occasion, still more demanding or gracious, as the case may be. Still the play does not suit her. Admitting Jools may be somewhat at fault Jools is sure that other people are more to blame. Jools becomes angry, indignant, self-pitying. What is her basic trouble? Is jools not really a self-seeker even when trying to be kind? I Is Jools not a victim of the delusion that Jools can wrest satisfaction and happiness out of this world if Jools only manages well? And it goes on When I did this it showed me a great deal about myself and self will. Etc............................................... .........To be honest it blew me away,
because that is exactly how I am.

[Carol87]

jools said
When I did this it showed me a great deal about myself and self will.? Etc............................................... .........To be honest it blew me away,
because that is exactly how I? am.

I so relate to that jools ... I have 'personalized' that reading several times, suggested newcomers do the same, and have chaired meetings doing that.? It is amazing how it changes(d) my perspective on my attitude towards life.

Good post ...