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Post Info TOPIC: Courage to Change 18/5


~*Service Worker*~

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Courage to Change 18/5


Today's c2c points out that life cannot always go smoothly and that we al-anoners tend to keep our frustrations inside rather than argue, letting them fester and making us irritable and unreasonable.

It discusses the value of facing adversity and expressing feelings or tackling problems and that each time we do this, we have a chance to grow. It also points out that it might not be easy or even successful at first but if we persevere then we are living life on lifes terms (instead of denying problems and pretending they don't bother us).

Problems and crises might not be fun but they are opportunities to grow if we choose to view them that way. The reading suggests that we look for the opportunity in each problem.

"There is no such thing as a problem without a gift for you in it's hands" (Richard Bach)

***

This reminds me of that story about the goat who falls down a deep hole. The farmer decides it's to much effort to get it out so he starts shovelling dirt on top of it to silence it's cries. But as each shovel-load hits the donkey's back he shakes it off and then uses it to step up until eventually he is standing on so much dirt that he climbs out of the well. 

This for me is a great visual to keep in kind when there is a problem I have to face or difficult people I have to deal with; using anything and everything that is thrown at me to strengthen myself. Difficulties ARE a lot easier to navigate when I am looking for the opportunities in them.

 

 



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If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see? (Lewis Caroll)



~*Service Worker*~

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Hi Ms.M.  What a great topic .  Thanks for providing us with your ESH on this important issue. I must admit that when I first came into program I wanted the easy way .  I always said."  I wish HP would provide me with  the gifts without any effort on my part I do not even want to unwrap the presents.aww 
 
Of coarse that is not how HP  works nor is that life.  Accepting "life on life  term's" means, to me , that I need to face situations, with courage, in order to gain the wisdom  I need to keep growing and learning.
 
I too hide my feelings in order to protect others.  I did not have the tools to express myself without  blaming or judging others.  I have since learned how to say what I  mean and mean what I say without saying it mean. In so doing I have  found that I have more compassion, and empathy for others while feeling more self esteem within.

 

There are many problems in my life that I have faced that were extremely painful (the loss of my son for example) however in retrospect,  I can see and feel the lessons learned and the gifts that HP showered me with in the process.
Have a great day and Thanks so much for your service.     


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Betty

THE HIGHEST FORM OF WISDOM IS KINDNESS

Talmud


~*Service Worker*~

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Thank you for sharing this powerful message. I love the story of the goat in the deep hole. It reminds me of a quote that I read once, which said something to the effect of when you are in a dark place you may think you have been buried, but actually you have been planted.

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Thank you for sharing this morning, MissMel.

The goat story is awesome. I've never heard that one before. It is so very true. All of my life, I have been the mediator and peace maker. I remember doing it when my parents fought, when I was young. I've done it with all of my relationships.

Last night, my husband and I were doing out devotional, and something in the lesson cried out to me. I told him that I realized that I had always, since a little girl, suppressed my feelings, and tried my best to make everyone else happy. That definitely put me in a hole....actually, I put myself in a hole.

Being here, and working Al-anon has taught me to be honest with myself, and with my AH. It has been so freeing.

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Life is short, so make it beautiful and sweet.



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I loved your CTC Mel and I always do, but I wanted to show you something:

"This reminds me of that story about the goat who falls down a deep hole. The farmer decides it's to much effort to get it out so he starts shovelling dirt on top of it to silence it's cries. But as each shovel-load hits the donkey's back he shakes it off and then uses it to step up until eventually he is standing on so much dirt that he climbs out of the well. 

I thought this was cute...lol. 

 

I hope you have a lovely day my friend.  Sometimes the "stories" about your day are my best way of getting into a good mood because you have a true gift of writing in a way where your reader feels they are "watching" events unfold in front of them. And, they get a good laugh (or for "grumpies" a good smile at least).

Have you ever considered writing a book or doing something "real" with your writing ability?  I honestly believe you are that good and that you could really do something special with your talent for writing with clarity.  You have a flair that is quite rare in my opinion.  I enjoy writing myself, and have done some very touching personal stories (such as my Grandmother's life story as told by her on her 90th birthday and the story about my personal struggle with infertility and loss and the subsequent birth of my daughter). I do have a talent, but yours is much more exciting and enjoyable to the reader. My ability is limited to short stories for children, personal struggles and victories, and other "factual", but highly emotional (and deep), events.  Your style is simply amazing and, although I am not jealous and do not covet your abilities, I would hope one day to be able to see the humor in things the way you so obviously do in your writings.  It is this visual humor that really brings your writings to life. (The no jealousy and not coveting is actually fairly new for me and I have to admit I am very proud of simply being glad for someone else now).

I hope I have not overstepped my bounds here and anyone can feel free to chastise me for getting "off task or topic", but it won't really matter because I have a very sincere belief that complements paid in honestly are part of our program.  I also believe you should tell someone if you see a particularly good thing they have done/can do because not everybody feels comfortable speaking out and giving compliments. False compliments are simply lies in my opinion, but honest ones are uplifting and feel good to give (to me anyway).

I hope your week goes well!



-- Edited by hotrod on Thursday 19th of May 2016 06:59:35 AM

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~*Service Worker*~

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Posts: 1887
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Ha, I had no idea I had transformed my goat into a donkey. I like goats and I've never met a donkey so, that might explain why I accidentally slipped a goat into a story that is, as I remember it, definitely about a donkey.
Thank you for your kind words. I do enjoy writing, and I am in the midst of writing a novel at the moment. Whether I ever show it to anyone or hide it in the suitcase with the other novels is another matter though, lol!
Anyway I appreciate the compliment, in fact I feel inspired to go and write some more this evening so, thanks


__________________

If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see? (Lewis Caroll)

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