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.
Good morning all. Today's reading is about "Keep Coming Back". It's a phrase that is stated and heard in recovery all the time. The writer discusses why it's so important. Many of us have grown so hardened in our fight with alcoholics or flights from them that we find it difficult to sit still for the process of recovery. We want answers right away or want direction for taking action right away. Most feel just enough relief at the first meeting to return - thus the 'Keep Coming Back' and we do again and again.
No matter how long we've been around, that reminder to Keep Coming Back is a great tool. Difficult times come and go in life, no matter how long we've been around. With each new challenge many of us need to be reminded of "there is no situation too difficult to be bettered and no unhappiness too great to be lessened..."
Today's reminder -- If I feel discouraged today, I will turn to the basics of the Al-Anon program. I'll get to a meeting, call my sponsor, go back to the First Step...One day at a time, if I keep coming back, I know my situation will improve.
Today's quote from One Day at a Time in Al-Anon -- "If I really want to learn how to fit easily and happily into my environment, and my relations with other people, Al-Anon has something for me."
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Hearing that "Keep Coming Back" for the first time truly mattered for me. Living with pain, shame, anger and fear for so, so long had taken a toll on my self-worth and self-esteem and I truly felt as if I didn't belong anywhere any more. Three little words gave me a small smile in my heart, and worked well in giving me courage to return.
I can say that I believe there is something magical and miraculous about the opening and closing in our program. For me, these center me and remind me that we are all in this together and that we love progress and perfection is totally unnecessary and over-rated. The words are simple yet super powerful.
I know that Keep Coming Back helps me to remember where I need to be/go/do when 'life' happens. With the holidays fast approaching and the anxiety and sadness they bring for me, I've gone into 'stealth program mode'. For me, this means I am spending more time daily aligning with this program, my recovery and our program principles. All of this greatly enhances my awareness that my HP will always do for me what I can not do for myself.
Happy Friday all! Make it a great day - I have to head back to the store - I intended to make a yummy pumpkin dessert last night that one of my gal pals made at the lake. As it happens, I missed 'powdered' in front of sugar so - it will happen today instead. (((Hugs))) too all - thanks for being part of my journey...
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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
Good Morning IAH, agree the words in our opening and closing are indeed powerful and encouraging. I know that hearing " Keep coming back" "It works if you work it" provided me with the courage to keep showing up no matter had badly i felt or how I believed I had messed up.
I have been in program for over 30 years and I keep" coming back " because I know that if I do not my defects which are still flying overhead just waiting for me to pull them in and revert to my old reacting mode.
Thanks for your service, IAH, and both your shares. I know I felt very welcome here when I first found MIP, and the fact that people wrote "Keep coming back" was one of the welcoming factors. It meant much for me at the time, when I practically didn't have any kind of relationships, as I've been so closed off... Only recently I've begun to really open up, and what a gift that is, to feel connected to other people in an honest way. I'd forgotten it, it has been so long. I'm learning to accept all my emotions at the moment and boy have I been in denial. As a fellow member once said, I'm not nearly as fluffy as I imagined myself to be. Not pleasant, but true. So I keep coming back :) I'm happy for myself, that I keep moving forward. Hugs to all.
