The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
it isn't every day you get to be somebody's hero. As I was driving my bus home in 100+ degree weather, I passed a car broke down on the side of the road. My assumption based on what I saw was it looked like (get the vagueness here?) three or so young adult males broke down. It being 100+ hot outside, I parked my bus and headed back down the 2 miles to where they were to discover it was a mother and two teenage sons, the two oldest of her eight children headed to a nearby Christian camp. Originally my thought was I probably couldn't do anything to help them mechanically (still true) but I could give them water, warmish water, but water. They were happy to receive the water, and even happier when I said I could take them where they were going but they'd have to ride in my junk mobile to my house, jump into the other car (because it had A/C). They were super nice and it was enjoyable being of service to someone in need. I think about my daughter's recent broken tire experience, the guys who helped her and how heroic they were to her; I think about the guys who have stopped to help me when I needed it; I did it mainly because its 100+ degree weather out there and giving them water and use of my cell phone if they need it is the least I can do. We have to take care of each other! Sure I rescued them, gave them a ride, took them where they were going and saved them from sitting on the side of the road for who knows how long - but I got just as much out of it, the feel-good sensation of REALLY helping someone, going above and beyond the call of duty just to help someone in need. Feels pretty good!
She was a preacher's wife, we talked about God and I talked about HP and Al-Anon and how so many people negate 12 steps programs because of the "God" thing when the real thing should be the "hey I've been there too" thing.
I thought on the way home about the serenity prayer - the four words - serenity, acceptance courage and wisdom - think about what those words mean to you:
Serenity - no one gets to throw poo on MY walls Acceptance - there is SO MUCH freedom in knowing what I can do, and what I can't do Courage - sometimes we do get scared, courage is being scared but going forward anyway Wisdom - I like this most of all - give me the wisdom God, to know .....
I reach out to others in need because they need it and I know what it feels like to need.
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I am strong in the broken places. ~ Unknown
All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another! ~ Anatole France
Addy you've been listening to your HP and following thru. I read this post and it fits so nicely within our cultural description of Aloha...For me Generosity of Spirit. I read what you did and why and my head nods in familiar recognition. Ho`omaika`i Addy....Blessings. ((((hugs))))
What a powerful, positive share - thanks for taking the time to post.
I can 'see' HP in your actions, program and share.
It reminds me that before program, I may have been so focused on what was wrong in my own world - I may have missed seeing this opportunity to do service work.
I absolutely lol'd at the 'no one gets to throw poo on my wall'......That's a keeper for my toolbox!!
(((hugs))) to you - keep working your program - you wear it well...
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Thanks for sharing such an uplifting story of being of service to others. Nice that you were able to work the 12th step and carry the message of Alanon which includes accepting other people's right to choose their own higher power. Maybe it wasn't just happenstance that you made this connection with this family but part of your own higher power's plan.
The openness to help without fear of losing ourselves in a situation I think is one of the best gifts from working the Alanon program. From those humble beginning of maybe simply setting up chairs in our meeting to chairing a meeting to sponsorship to growing to understand how we can be of service in our daily life situations and continue to maintain personal boundaries. You did a nice thing for someone yet didn't lose yourself to it. It sounds like there was opportunity for spiritual enlightment from each of you sharing about about your hp. I gain a lot from listening/reading here and remaining teachable. Thanks for sharing your experience, stength and hope. ((hugs))) TT
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Surround yourself with people and elements that support your destiny, not just your history.
