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.
Today's Quote from Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism --- "For me, alcoholism has proven to be a bittersweet legacy - bitter, because of the pain I suffered, and sweet, because if it weren't for that pain, I wouldn't have searched for and found a better way of living."
Today's Reminder -- When a loved one's alcoholism brought me to Al-Anon, I found a new, second family, a family that helped me discover the me that had been hidden for so long, a family that will always be there for me. Today I will enjoy having a place where I really belong.
Today's reading is about the extended or new family most find in Al-Anon. This family accepts us as we are, allows us to speak freely and empathize when we share troubles. This family doesn't offer advice or try to solve my problems; instead allows me to do so on my own. They offer experience, strength and hope which gives me food for thought as I explore my journey.
There is no point system in this new family - I have to earn nothing. There is no need to earn my place, I can just relax and be myself.
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Love today's reading! This mirrors my experience - when I arrived, I viewed myself and my situation only through negative views. I felt hopeless, broken, shameful and more. I was welcomed and loved until I could love myself. I was allowed to be authentic and not judged. I wasn't faced with elders who quoted facts, figures, doom, gloom and instructions. Instead, by example, I found others who had faced similar feelings and situations and were serene and joyful.
ESH gave me enough hope to return. The support given was unconditional and encouraging. So much so, that I freely tried suggestions and found my journey. My new family accepted me when I made mistakes and continued to love and encourage me as I healed from the affects of this disease.
I am so grateful for my new/extended family. They taught me how to hang with the winners and love unconditionally. I would not be where I am if they were not there for me - one of many miracles of recovery. (((hugs)))
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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 MIP! IAH, thanks for today's share.
I wanted the AlAnon elders to tell me what to do when I arrived at AlAnon. I didn't feel capable of making any of my own decisions anymore. Just look where that had gotten me! Eventually, I saw the wisdom of listening, offers of ESH, and allowing me the dignity to make my own choices. The unconditional love, support, and acceptance was new to me, and while I don't think my experience with an alcoholic spouse has been an easy or pleasant one, I am grateful for it because I would not be the person I am today if I hadn't had the opportunity to grow and change with the support of AlAnon.
I hope everyone has a great day! Unseasonably warm here today. I brought my winter jacket with me, but didn't need to wear it!
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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
Good Morning all Love this reading as it reinforces the fact that alanon is a fellowship of equals an that we do not have o earn points to belong. __ All I need to do is show up What a gift!!!- as Skorpi states:"the unconditional love, acceptance and support are priceless as well as empowering I am ever grateful to Alanon.
Thanks for your service I.A.H and have a lovely day
I have to say, pain is a huge motivator......and I'm grateful for this group.......program, all of it. This dis-ease I have over trying to control another A or any given situation really..causes insanity for me.
It is here I feel I can openly share the ups and downs...all the junk. Trying not to regret the past in the sense of EVER stopping this program!
I just left the morning meeting a bit ago, awesome as always......got a call from my AF......felt that anger rising up and had to pause. That anger scares me. Most likely from the war zone I grew up in before my parents divorced. During this "pause thing" I realized, she is brand new to recovery, she is making progress and does not see all her actions, do we ever?
Amazing how easy it is to go from peaceful to anger, but now I have a choice not to pay the parking meter for the entire day. I can set it on as many minutes as I like and ask God what to do and to help me.
I ended the conversation with a "tone" that left her feeling ok. I am grateful for that too. It may seem a silly thing but if not for this program, I would still be stewing, regardless of the severity of the issue! This was a pretty big issue but it shows me the value of compassion and working on myself.
"The wolf that thrives, is the one you feed." - Cherokee legend
"Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields... Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness." Mary Oliver
Thanks to all for the shares today.....we are having a 'wacky weather day'...I woke up and it was 49 degrees outside and raining. Now it's 13 and all that rain turned into ice with more falling and now a bit of snow. We were warned so I had home things to do and am grateful to be inside - I can hear the wind howling...
Betty - I believe it's leaving here and heading your way soon. These kinds of forecasts were the silly things before recovery that would have me pre-worrying for all that 'could happen'. Today, I can embrace what happens as it happens and not play the projection game. What a gift!
(((Hugs))) to all - great shares and grateful!
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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
