Today's reading is all about keeping an open mind in the Al-Anon program, and forever placing principles above personalities.  If you've been to an Al-Anon meeting, and stayed through the closing, you've most likely heard, "though you may not like all of us, you'll love us in a very special way - the same way we already love you.

Every meeting can be an opportunity to have an open mind and heart.  Most of us already are aware of the personalities around us.  Instead of getting lost in petty likes and dislikes, it is important to remember why we come to meetings.  We all need each other in order to recover.  We don't have to like everyone but digging deeper to find that which we share vs. looking at differences is one step in our journey.

Perhaps we can find peace with each person by remembering that which draws us together.  Maybe it's a common interest, a common goal or a common belief.  Placing principles above personalities and keeping an open mind gives us the humility to realize everyone has something to teach us, no matter how different we might be.

Today's quote is from "The Dilemma of the Alcoholic Marriage" ---  "The open door to helpful answers is communication based on love.  Such communication depends on awareness of and respect for each other's well-being and willingness to accept in another what may not measure up to our own standards and expectations."

Before coming to recovery, I spent way too much time feeling better than or lessor than those around me.  I practiced "Compete & Compare" in all areas of my life and it was a never-ending cycle.  My entire attitude and outlook on life was built on the premise of being better than those around me - in sports, at work, in earnings, etc.  In recovery, I've learned that I am imperfect as are all others, and while we may be very different in our lives, most people truly want to have peace, joy and a spiritual existence - a commonality.

I am so grateful that I can be with others and learn from them no matter how different are paths have been.  This for me was a huge gift of recovery, one that I cherish always.  I am also very grateful that my home group does a great job in practicing the principles of the program.  There is no pettiness or drama and we stay focused on our common goal - recovery.

TGIF everyone - make it a great day!