February 21

”He who closes his ears to the views of others shows little confidence in the integrity of his own views.” William Congreve

Step Three is about having the willingness to turn our lives over to the care of our Higher Power. One of the ways I think this happens is in my acceptance that this will manifest in those around me. And in order to be willing, then I need to be open to the opinions and advice of others. Their influence can be a sign or direction from the God of my understanding, but I have to be listening and looking for it. Sometimes what is said from others supports my ideas and plans, reinforcing what I have already intended to do. This acknowledgement can be a confirmation of what I am supposed to be doing. It can also be the opposite. I need to be willing to examine the source of this support, is it from someone who is normally a positive influence in my life, or not? The same contradiction exists when those around me are against my views and plans. Depending on the person who is sharing, they may be challenging my ideas to make them stronger and find flaws, or it may be out of a genuine concern that they are not necessarily the healthiest choice for me to make. All in all, this requires the ability on my part to listen to others and take the time to understand their point of view.

Affirmation Listening to others does not degrade the value of my own thoughts and ideas. Rather, it can reinforce what I have chosen, or be a warning to let me steer my actions in another direction.