Al-Anon daily reflection ·

Paralysis by Analysis

How do we know what is God’s will? That’s easy – just get up every day, keep moving and when you hit a wall, turn left!

I can get stuck waiting for a burning bush. I treat Step Eleven like I need a signed permission slip from the universe before I make a move. This over-spiritualization leads to paralysis. I freeze, afraid to make a 'wrong' choice, disguised as waiting on the Lord. But often, God guides a moving ship. I can't be steered if I'm anchored in fear.

This quote reminds me that practical action is spiritual. Getting up, doing the dishes, going to work, and making the best decision I can with the information I have—that is walking in faith. If I hit a wall, that's not a failure; it's just information. It's a redirect. I don't need to shame myself for hitting the wall; I just need to turn left. Recovery is dynamic. It happens in the movement, not just in the meditation chair.

Practice

I can identify one small decision I've been putting off because I'm waiting for 'perfect clarity.' I will make a choice today—even if it's just a guess—and trust that if it's the wrong direction, my Higher Power will help me pivot.

Today’s Reminder

A closed door is as much guidance as an open one.

More on faith

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Written by people with lived experience of someone else’s drinking who practice the Twelve Step program of recovery. Published by Daily Growth, LLC.

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