How We Might Prevent Our Good Intentions from Washing Away Before Our Eyes – Step 12

An ornate French sandcastle threatened by encroaching waves from the sea w/ sfz title

“You ask me why I do not write something … . I think one’s feelings waste themselves in words, they ought all to be distilled into actions and into actions which bring results.” – Florence Nightingale (1820 – 1910) English nurse in the Crimean War on getting into action

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In what ways have your good intentions gone awry lately?

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What is one kind thing you can do today instead of just thinking about it?

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What are Words For – Missing Persons (4:31)

Florence Nightingale Brief Bio (3:57) 

Walking Meditation (3:12)

Analysis: The Alchemy of Action

Intentions often vanish like mist in the morning sun. How Al-Anon Works explains that good ideas require immediate action. We must reach out to break our inner walls. This effort initiates the struggle for true freedom. Florence Nightingale believed feelings should become results (Nightingale, 1860). She insisted that words alone often waste our energy. Genuine recovery demands this shift from thought to deed.

We encounter doubt throughout the long day. The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions suggests a sacred pause. We ask a Higher Power for the correct path. This practice reminds us that we do not run the show. Viktor Frankl taught that space exists between stimulus and response (Frankl, 1946). Our growth lives within that tiny, vital gap. Choosing the right action defines our character.

Wellbriety teachings support this path of service. We must walk the talk (White Bison, 2002, p. 142). The Great Mystery guides those who move their feet. Action prevents our best plans from washing away. Service to others anchors our own spiritual health. We find strength by helping a fellow traveler. This journey transforms intentions into a living reality.

References Frankl, V. E. (1946). Man’s Search for Meaning. Beacon Press. Nightingale, F. (1860). Notes on Nursing. Harrison. White Bison. (2002). The Red Road to Wellbriety. White Bison, Inc.

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Traducción al Español

Citas, Títulos y Referencias

CÓMO PODEMOS EVITAR QUE NUESTRAS BUENAS INTENCIONES SE DESVANEZCAN ANTE NUESTROS OJOS – PASO 12

LLEGAR A LOS DEMÁS ES EL COMIENZO –

“Las buenas ideas y las buenas intenciones no ayudan si no las ponemos en práctica. Llegar a los demás es el comienzo de la lucha que nos hará libres. Romperá los muros que nos aprisionan… el compartir honestamente nos liberará para recuperarnos.” (Cómo funciona Al-Anon, p. 56)

PONERSE EN ACCIÓN VIENE DESPUÉS –

“A medida que transcurre el día, nos detenemos, cuando estamos agitados o dudosos, y pedimos el pensamiento o la acción correcta. Nos recordamos constantemente que ya no dirigimos el espectáculo, diciéndonos humildemente muchas veces al día: ‘Hágase tu voluntad’.” (12 y 12, p. 52)

FRAGMENTO DE NIGHTINGALE –

“Me preguntas por qué no escribo algo… Creo que los sentimientos se desperdician en palabras; deberían destilarse todos en acciones, y en acciones que traigan resultados.” — Florence Nightingale (1820 – 1910)


Análisis

Las intenciones suelen desvanecerse como la niebla bajo el sol matutino. Cómo funciona Al-Anon explica que las buenas ideas requieren una acción inmediata. Debemos acercarnos a los demás para romper nuestros muros internos. Este esfuerzo inicia la lucha por la verdadera libertad. Florence Nightingale creía que los sentimientos debían convertirse en resultados (Nightingale, 1860). Ella insistía en que las palabras solas a menudo desperdician nuestra energía. La verdadera recuperación exige este cambio del pensamiento al hecho.

Encontramos dudas a lo largo del largo día. Los Doce Pasos y Doce Tradiciones sugieren una pausa sagrada. Pedimos a un Poder Superior el camino correcto. Esta práctica nos recuerda que nosotros no dirigimos el espectáculo. Viktor Frankl enseñó que existe un espacio entre el estímulo y la respuesta (Frankl, 1946). Nuestra madurez vive dentro de esa brecha diminuta y vital. Elegir la acción correcta define nuestro carácter.

Las enseñanzas de Wellbriety apoyan este camino de servicio. Debemos actuar según lo que decimos (White Bison, 2002, p. 142). El Gran Misterio guía a quienes mueven sus pies. La acción evita que nuestros mejores planes se borren. El servicio a los demás ancla nuestra propia salud espiritual. Encontramos fuerza al ayudar a un compañero de viaje. Este viaje transforma las intenciones en una realidad viva.


Pregunta Concluyente

¿Qué cosa amable puedes hacer hoy en lugar de solo pensar en ello?

Zonr logo on intentions

Comments

6 responses to “How We Might Prevent Our Good Intentions from Washing Away Before Our Eyes – Step 12”

  1. E-Dawg Avatar
    E-Dawg

    My grandfather told me a story years ago about a handshake deal he made with somebody. The deal didn’t go through and the man said it had good intentions and my grandfather replied the road to hell is paved with good intentions…

  2. Sabrina J Avatar
    Sabrina J

    When the documentary “The Secret” was released, a massive awakening in our collective conscious was awakened. The idea that we can manifest the life we want. That is a powerful statement. Yet, how is it that life is fairly the same today that it was before. Joe Vitale, who is one of the people featured in The Secret produced a follow up to the secret. In this follow up, he added the secret that was left out.

    For anyone that wishes to manifest dreams, it takes ACTION. Our action creates more action and the energy increases. Today, I will take action on my dreams, I will take action on building my software that is already far more powerful than I could have ever dreamed. Today I will take action and move forward one step at a time.

  3. JB jr. Avatar
    JB jr.

    Today I am struggling with a communication I need for work and the suggestions today’s USFZ seem to help. First I’m going to honestly state the issue (not easy) then suggest the actions that might help resolve it. “actions that lead to results” as Ms. Nightingale would say.

  4. Br. Buddha Avatar
    Br. Buddha

    Good morning everyone + Happy Monday. Yup, it’s Daylight Savings Time again. Thank God. I enjoy darker mornings + lighter evenings. Here is today’s thought. Faith without works is dead. One of the ways we get busy + stay tuned is by helping others. So today, say hi to a newcomer. Sit with them + help make their day more comfortable. Blessings. BB

  5. JB jr. Avatar
    JB jr.

    Its funny. I haven’t thought about my incomplete volunteer painting project all day. Up until I read this question. So I just vow to do better next time. instead I think my efforts today were successfully completed and those I’ve encountered I was fully present.

  6.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    In my infinite fear, I seem to be working the Program backwards: it took me five years to get a sponsor and another two to get a sponsee. I was most interested in making sure my Sponsor knew my story – I hardly had/have room to hear her experience, strength and hope. I still struggle with this disease of relationships – “not my will but thine be done, oh Lord” I have to repeat over and over every day. “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood him.” It seems to keep going back to the first three Steps. I guess I have to keep repeating them – as long as that takes.

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