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.
The ODAT reading for November 21 speaks about the importance of keeping an open mind and embracing the humility of the program. The reading provides an example of a family who are accustomed to entertaining and when one enters AA, cannot understand why the alcohol consumption must be eliminated
The reading suggests that pride often makes recovery difficult from both alcoholism and the emotional sickness of living with the disease. It is important that we see the necessity of embracing changed patterns of living. . If we are to hope for serene and orderly existence.
The quote states: "some people don't know how badly they need a new way of life until disaster overtakes them."
I believe that I can relate to this reading in one form or another, because I do feel my pride as well as my inability to keep an open mind prevented me from implementing the Al-Anon tools, when I first entered the program. . I am so glad that I stayed and kept coming back because somehow , I learned how to listen and . stopped trying to control the entire world,. I finally heard the message that Al-Anon was suggesting. This is not an easy program to live by. and I am So glad that I kept coming back.
Good morning Betty - thank you for your service and the daily. I always appreciate your shares and that quote pretty much tells my story. It was my pride and ego that blocked me from the gifts of recovery until I got the gift of desperation resulting from a few disasters. I hit a wall that no longer allowed me to sit and look beyond me for the answers to my living situation and this disease.
I am also grateful that I keep coming back - there is always more that is revealed and more to learn so long as I remain willing. Happy Tuesday to you and I hope you have a great day!
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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
I agree that this isn't an easy program to live by. It takes work and dedication, and the rewards are really great!
this reading spoke to me this morning, especially since I woke up needing a meeting today. Just a bad mood, really, and annoyed by my AW, who at the time was doing nothing but sleeping, lol! Pride might have kept me from asking hp to remove my bad mood and I might have spent my day annoyed. Thanks to the reminder of this reading, I was able to ask HP to help with my mood and allow me to restart my day in a more humble, serene, calm way.
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Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Your open few lines really hit me this morning. "a family who are accustomed to entertaining and when one enters AA, cannot understand why the alcohol consumption must be eliminated"
When I asked AH not to come home, there was an event in town that he would normally have been apart of due to the service group he is a member of. We were having a phone conversation a couple days before the event. I had asked if he needed anything from the house (dress clothes etc) for that night. He had stated he wasn't going, he wasn't ready to be around "those kinds of people right now". At the time I thought it was odd, as he enjoyed being part of the service group and being out in the community.
I'm okay with informing my adult children that when they come home there can not be any drinking in this home. I'm a little concerned if they understand that when we are with them, that must apply too. No more having a drink at a supper outting. Or when we come to visit.
This post has given me a lot to think about.
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When it Rains, Look for Rainbows. When it's Dark, Look for Stars-unknown
