What does freedom mean to you? What freedom have you found in recovery?

Eric suggested this topic, and we were loosely guided in our conversation by this outline.

• Definition of freedom? Many definitions…
• Do I believe that freedom only comes from being in control of my life?
• What does it mean to me (now) that “freedom can only come from acceptance”?
• The blog “Through an Al-Anon Filter” says
  If I want peace, I must give my program away to others. If I want growth, I must give up my belief in my own “rightness.” If I want serenity, I must give up self-will, and be open to my Higher Power. If I want freedom, I must give up my need to control.
  …
  If I want real, lasting change, I must give up my safe misery.
• (How) do I understand this in my life?
• Concept Three 
The Right of Decision makes effective leadership possible.
  • We have the right to decide, to make choices. This is a powerful idea and one that many of us may have lost sight of growing up in families that were dysfunctional.
  • “When I began studying Concept Three, I found the answer. It wasn’t alcoholism that bothered me. It was someone taking away my right of decision.” Reaching for Personal Freedom p. 132
• What freedom(s) have I found in recovery?
  • Free to live my life. I don’t have to follow the whims and wishes of my loved one (I can choose to do so, but I don’t have to.)
  • Free to take care of myself (instead of my loved one).
  • Free to grow.
  • Free to laugh.
  • Free to make choices.
  • Free to know myself.
  • Free to let go of the past (but not wish to shut the door on it).
  • Free to find gratitude in the little (and the big) things, even when some part of my life sucks.
  • I am becoming Free FROM;
    • Despair
    • Sadness
    • Loneliness
    • Isolation
    • Anxiety
    • Blame
    • Resentments
    • Feeling trapped
    • Fear
    • Anger
    • Guilt
    • Shame
    • Dependence (on others)
    • Expectations (of others)
  • I am become FREE TO;
    • Live and Let Live
    • Let It Go
    • Surrender without giving up
    • Say No (and feel good about it)
    • Detach, with love
    • Set boundaries
    • Allow consequences to happen
    • Love, not need
    • Walk away
    • Feel, without fear
    • Say what I mean
    • Go slow
    • Enjoy solitude
    • Be happy
    • Have choices
    • Take risks
    • To be wrong
    • Trust
    • Laugh more (Promise 12)
  • Who knew!?  (as my sponsor said yesterday when I read him my list… 😊)
• We want to be “happy, joyous, and free”

Upcoming topics include is talking to young children about recovery. Also parenting in all its aspects. And, violence by the “Al-Anon” in a relationship. Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email feedback@therecoveryshow.com with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.

Links

We read from the blog “Through an Al-Anon Filter”, which you can find at http://al-anonfilter.blogspot.com/. The post about freedom is at http://al-anonfilter.blogspot.com/2009/05/freedom.html

During “our lives in recovery”, Spencer mentioned a poem he had heard at church. Here is a link: https://twitter.com/mfolboston/status/968838064389881857?lang=en

Music from the show

Janet Jackson: Control

Otis Redding: (Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay

George Michael: Freedom

Keb' Mo': Better Man