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 reading in Courage to Change is about why we continue to attend AlAnon meetings and engage with the program through the years.
The author shares that without help, living or having lived with an alcoholic is too much for them. They recognize a need for help in maintaining a rational perspective. They appreciate the AlAnon members who share their meetings. For the author, AlAnon is the light that helps them to find their way in the dark. The author is cautious about coming across as an expert, and avoids being "in charge" or being placed on a pedestal by new members. Instead, the author engages in service, connects with their sponsor, and retains the right to have problems, cry, make mistakes, and not know all the answers.
Today's reminder: The amount of time I've spent in Al-Anon is less important than what I am doing with that time today.
Today's Quote: "I don't resort to Al-Anon only to learn to live with the active drinking problems. It is my way of life, an increasingly rich and rewarding life, as I learn to use the program in depth." One Day at a Time in Al-Anon
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Today's reading really spoke to me, as I have been becoming more engaged with my Al-Anon face-to-face group this year, and my AW is not in support of that. We had a start of a conversation last night about why my program is important to me. Today's reading really helps me to put words to my feelings. Yes, I walked through those AlAnon doors because of pure desperation. I stayed because people seemed to know something about happiness and life that I did not. I kept going back because I noticed that I was better able to cope with things around me and that I started to feel that my life was out of control again when I missed meetings. Actually, I am the one who is out of control without the structure of my meetings and daily program work. I still live with a sometimes active alcoholic who is finding her own path to recovery. Even if I was not, I think that AlAnon would need to be a mainstay for me in my life, because I would still have my defects of character that I would still want to work on and improve upon. AlAnon program work is not easy, but it is worth it, and I can do a little bit at a time, as I am ready, and be gentle with myself through the process. I am thankful to the program and AlAnon members for the opportunity to continue to work on myself, work on my defects of character, and continue to become the best version of myself I can be.
We are promised warmer temperatures today, and I've switched from my long winter jacket to my short winter jacket. Looking forward to what the weather promises to bring in time. Maple syrup report from my parents: the sap is frozen solid in the collection container and is showing no signs of thawing. Sap cooking is delayed another week at least. Maybe I will make it up for syrup cooking this year, after all!
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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 Skorpit Thank you for sharing your thoughts on today's important reminder. Knowing and accepting that I am human and will never be perfect is a tremendous gift of this program. Many years ago I felt that I knew all the tools of the program so that i could practice them on my own without attending meetings-- WRONG!!! I discovered that this is a "WE" program and that sharing experience strength and hope is a huge part of recovery. I will kep coming back. thanks for your service.
Good morning all - thank you Betty and skorpi for your shares and ESH. Thank you also skorpi for the daily and your service.
I have 'stepped away' from my program, meetings, etc. at times as I felt other 'life' things were more important and I'd be OK....what I have learned is I just do better with all life things when I stay consistent with my recovery for me. It's not about anything but focusing on a balanced life with serenity, joy and service.
It is the return of an inflated ego and my self-will that creates a story in my mind that I am 'well' or 'more well than others'. I am grateful that I have trusted program friends and a sponsor who will gently nudge me when I am acting 'above others' as well as 'below others'. I have learned that it really doesn't take much for my mind to begin the crazy-thinking and today, it's less about the A(s) in my life and more often related to all other people, places and things.
I have witnessed several program friends who break from their A, believe they are 'well' only to return crazier than ever before. So - through my own ESH and that of others in recovery, I just know things are better for me when I stay aligned with my program, one day at a time, as best I can.
Happy hump day all - got a full day of fun and softball tonight! I am so darn excited to play ball with normal clothing on instead of multiple layers I would wear to play in the snow! All I know is that I find myself often in recovery agreeing with the statement, "Life is Good" which was one of many eye-rolling statements before recovery. Make it a great day all....(((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
