Summary: <a href="http://therecoveryshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/1153092021_e4f17f2df1_o.jpg"></a>What does freedom mean to you? What freedom have you found in recovery?<br> Eric suggested this topic, and we were loosely guided in our conversation by this outline.<br> <br> * Definition of freedom? Many definitions…<br> * Do I believe that freedom only comes from being in control of my life?<br> * What does it mean to me (now) that “freedom can only come from acceptance”?<br> * The blog “<a href="http://al-anonfilter.blogspot.com/2009/05/freedom.html">Through an Al-Anon Filter</a>” says<br> 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.<br> …<br> If I want real, lasting change, I must give up my safe misery.<br> * (How) do I understand this in my life?<br> * Concept Three The Right of Decision makes effective leadership possible.<br> <br> * 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.<br> * “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<br> <br> <br> * What freedom(s) have I found in recovery?<br> <br> * 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.)<br> * Free to take care of myself (instead of my loved one).<br> * Free to grow.<br> * Free to laugh.<br> * Free to make choices.<br> * Free to know myself.<br> * Free to let go of the past (but not wish to shut the door on it).<br> * Free to find gratitude in the little (and the big) things, even when some part of my life sucks.<br> * I am becoming Free FROM;<br> <br> * Despair<br> * Sadness<br> * Loneliness<br> * Isolation<br> * Anxiety<br> * Blame<br> * Resentments<br> * Feeling trapped<br> * Fear<br> * Anger<br> * Guilt<br> * Shame<br> * Dependence (on others)<br> * Expectations (of others)<br> <br> <br> * I am become FREE TO;<br> <br> * Live and Let Live<br> * Let It Go<br> * Surrender without giving up<br> * Say No (and feel good about it)<br> * Detach, with love<br> * Set boundaries<br> * Allow consequences to happen<br> * Love, not need<br> * Walk away<br> * Feel, without fear<br> * Say what I mean<br> * Go slow<br> * Enjoy solitude<br> * Be happy<br> * Have choices<br> * Take risks<br> * To be wrong<br> * Trust<br> * Laugh more (Promise 12)<br> <br> <br> * Who knew!? (as my sponsor said yesterday when I read him my list…
