“Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country.” – Anais Nin (1903 – 1977) U.S. novelist (on self-acceptance)
~~~
– Sign up to Zonr for Today’s Full SFZ
How have you allowed others the freedom to make choices you felt were wrong, lately?
OR
What happens in your life when you stop trying to control others and trust your Higher Power instead?
~~~
Henry Miller & Anais Nin – Henry & June set in Paris (1:31)
Self-Esteem Guided Meditation (9:39)
Analysis (English)
In How Al-Anon Works, self-acceptance begins with humility and ends with freedom. The passage reminds us that control blocks compassion. When we release others from our demands, we mirror the Higher Power’s gift of autonomy. As Lao Tzu observed in Tao Te Ching, “When you let go of what you are, you become what you might be” (Mitchell, 1988).
Freedom through acceptance also heals relationships. The Basic Text of Narcotics Anonymous states, “Freedom to change seems to come after acceptance of ourselves.” This truth aligns with the Wellbriety teaching that “recovery means returning to the natural order of balance” (Coyhis, 2006). Balance arises when we stop defending our false pride and begin listening.
Moreover, Anaïs Nin’s poetic invitation to “throw your dreams into space” reflects spiritual courage. Dreams grow only when fear loosens its grip. Viktor Frankl wrote in Man’s Search for Meaning that humans find purpose by choosing attitudes, not conditions (Frankl, 1959). Choosing acceptance lets us transform pain into possibility.
Thus, self-acceptance becomes a spiritual discipline. It invites humility, nurtures empathy, and renews creative energy. When we honor others’ journeys, we honor our own.
Traducción de Citas y Encabezados (Español)
“Puede ser una gran lucha conceder a otros la dignidad de tomar decisiones por sí mismos.”
(Cómo Funciona Al-Anon, p. 74)
“Ya no tenemos que tener razón todo el tiempo… La libertad para cambiar parece venir después de la aceptación de nosotros mismos.”
(El Texto Básico, p. 58)
“Lanza tus sueños al espacio como una cometa… una nueva vida, un nuevo amigo, un nuevo amor, un nuevo país.”
– Anaïs Nin (1903–1977), novelista estadounidense
Análisis (Español)
En Cómo Funciona Al-Anon, la autoaceptación empieza con humildad y termina con libertad. El pasaje nos recuerda que el control bloquea la compasión. Cuando liberamos a otros de nuestras exigencias, reflejamos el don de autonomía del Poder Superior. Como dijo Lao Tzu en Tao Te Ching, “Cuando sueltas lo que eres, te conviertes en lo que podrías ser” (Mitchell, 1988).
La libertad mediante la aceptación también sana las relaciones. El Texto Básico de Narcóticos Anónimos declara que “la libertad para cambiar parece venir después de la aceptación de nosotros mismos.” Esta verdad coincide con la enseñanza de Wellbriety: “la recuperación significa volver al orden natural del equilibrio” (Coyhis, 2006). El equilibrio surge cuando dejamos de defender nuestro falso orgullo y empezamos a escuchar.
Además, la invitación poética de Anaïs Nin a “lanzar tus sueños al espacio” refleja valentía espiritual. Los sueños crecen solo cuando el miedo afloja su control. Viktor Frankl escribió en El Hombre en Busca de Sentido que los humanos hallan propósito al elegir actitudes, no condiciones (Frankl, 1959). Elegir la aceptación nos permite transformar el dolor en posibilidad.
Así, la autoaceptación se convierte en una disciplina espiritual. Invita a la humildad, nutre la empatía y renueva la energía creativa. Cuando honramos los caminos de otros, honramos el nuestro.
Pregunta:
¿Qué ocurre en tu vida cuando dejas de intentar controlar a los demás y confías en tu Poder Superior?
Comments
9 responses to “Self-Acceptance Frees us to Follow our Dreams & Allow Others to do the Same – Step 9”
-
Through practicing CODA (co-dependence anonymous) I’m learning I can’t control others or situations all the time, but I can place barriers between me, and others as need be for my own well-being. Sometimes it’s hard to change others too in what we want them to be, and there focusing on the I is of importance. At least I’m not selfish though in wanting everyone to be okay. With a guard card, and Non-Profit on the way protecting others is a part of that, and all I can do is make suggestions, but the decision to make a wrong, or right choice is ultimately up to the individual.
-
When I have disagreements with people or just conflict in general based around things like right or wrong on a fact based level I just let it go. It’s not worth getting angry or upset over it. I don’t have to change anyone else. I just have to take care of myself. It’s like engaging in drinking poison!
-
With each day further into my healing and remaining clean/sober my need to control things is reduced. That certainly includes any burning desire to control the actions or behaviors of others. A daily goal is to live my life in peace and serenity, and with this the hope that what I am inside, radiates outside. To become the change in the world that I want to see. In writing this now, I reflect on the long way I have go in my personal journey. Equally, how far I have come in this past year.
Thank you for sharing recovery with me. Grateful.
-
In a situation where one is living with many housemates and some chore needs and has to be done, if that person is not stepping up to that task, I will ask them about it in a loving way first. Then if it’s still not getting done I will be assertive. Some people are very sensitive and could think that I’m trying to control them when I’m actually being assertive… there is a difference between the two. After the latter has been stated I give it to God and even if the chore is still not done …my job is because I have given it to the highest power, the ultimate Authority … when I truly turn it over to God the urgency to take care of things isn’t there anymore. I am now willing to let other people be who they are without having to pass judgment on them and that’s good for my spiritual well-being.
-
I have lots of housemates and I’ve had to step back, mind my own business, and let those closest to me grow from their own decisions and mistakes and progress.
-
Despite my sincere misgivings I’m asking my elderly mother’s doctor to meet with her to discuss surgical option he himself feel are not necessary and do have significant risks.
-
not having expectations of others frees me to allow others the dignity to be themselves..
-
I’m surprised at how genuinely sweet Depeche Mode appears as they first started out. Like any other rock band without all the glam and glitter they adopted in later years.
The song, New Life, has that feeling of life just beginning with hope and promise overflowing.
-
Depeche Mode! This reminds me “we are not a glum lot”. Thanks SFZ and all contributors – I learn SO MUCH from everyones comments! HAVE A GREAT DAY!
Leave a Reply