“He should concentrate on his own spiritual demonstration.” (Chapter Seven, Big Book)
When my Al-Anon-ism is active, here are some of the things I
get up to:
- Volunteering for tasks I do not understand
- Launching in to fix situations I do not understand
- Getting it wrong and giving other people work to do
- Not admitting I got it wrong
- Blaming things ‘beyond my control’ (people, things,
technology)
- Not paying attention then pleading ignorance
- Not informing myself then pleading ignorance
- Working to improve others’ evaluation of me
- Justification, explanation, and defence when no one asked
- Expressing good intentions to curry favour
When this happens, it means I’m consumed with myself and on
autopilot.
The answer to these is self-awareness, pausing, and
humility.
Does it need to be said?
Does it need to be said by me?
Does it need to be said right now?