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December 3 - C2C - Meditation
(Preview)
Today's reading in Courage to Change shares several members' descriptions of how they meditate. One quietly repeats the Serenity Prayer, others concentrate on their breathing or watch their thoughts passing by, and another visualizes placing all their worries, problems, joy, gratitude, and...
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Freetime
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4
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2320
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Courage to Change December 1
(Preview)
Hello MIP! In today's reading, the author shares that Al-Anon was the first place they were invited back to after sharing their woes. The author had been desperate and close to committing suicide due to the alcoholism in their home, so when they were asked to make coffee at an Al-Anon meeting they fou...
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Skorpi
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4
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2416
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11/30/21 Courage to Change …the Teacher Appears
(Preview)
A learning opportunity presents itself when we interact with others.As we observe behavior we like and dislike in others, it may help us consider and refine our own.We may consider the emotion and reaction these elicit within us that may reveal an opportunity for healing and growth...perhaps we ma...
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Enigmatic
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4
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3451
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C2C, 11/29, being an adult
(Preview)
The author says what they thought being an adult was: being in control, being cool, and looking good on the outside and cut off from the inside. It also meant doing for others until they dropped. Alanon has taught this writer a new way of living: giving up control, admitting they were powerless, re...
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Lyne
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4
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2420
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Pain always comes with closeness?
(Preview)
My grown son is one of the most precious blessings in my life. Over time we have had many conflicts which we always get past. Another one occurred Friday night, details unimportant. My A looks for opportunities to put him down, as they have been estranged for nearly 5 yrs. What I did, instead of gett...
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Lyne
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2
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2456
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Hope for Today Nov 28
(Preview)
Good morning everyone: Todays reading is about resentments that may be a result of growing up/living in an alcoholic home and how we might address them in order to live a more positive and serene life. The writer describes anger toward his/her parents that was difficult to express; instead it was ta...
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yanksfan51
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1
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2487
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Please read important(most people are good)
(Preview)
So today I am going to pick up my heavy coat over 60 miles away. Talk about anxiety! The story goes: I went to see a movie up north. We don't have a theater close by. Anyhow it gets better. I left my coat in the theater. Bear w me. I got a brainstorm! I called the nearest grocery store to see if someone could by &a...
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Hoot Nanny
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4
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1211
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Courage to Change - November 25 - Gratitude
(Preview)
Hello, MIP friends, and happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate -- and to everyone, I hope you find something to be grateful for today. I am posting the Friday share early. I usually post on Thursday night, but tonight I expect to be busy doing the dishes and cleaning up after a wonderful feast cooke...
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Freetime
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3
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2309
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Managing expectations and a generally pessimistic attitude
(Preview)
Since this stuff started with my now adult Son about 18 years ago (initially meth addiction, joined by alcohol problems soon after, and recently mental health issues), it takes very little and sometimes nothing at all for my mind to spin up a scary story about all the terrible things that are probably...
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texas yankee
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12
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1655
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Today's Hope Nov. 24
(Preview)
Hello mip! It is after midnight here and I'm at the emergency vet with a dog in need of stitches, so i thought it was a good time to post today's share. I'm using today's hope from nov. 23. The author shares how impactful it is for them to keep a daily inventory in writing. They reflect on 10 things they a...
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Skorpi
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4
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774
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11/23/21 ODAT – One Day at a Time
(Preview)
This contributor tried this 'just for today: do not be afraid of anything', actively addressed lingering dread to expose their imaginative basis, and let previous days' troubles expire...Why? God is driving the bus, let him...accept the guidance and protection...What was left over? A shiny new...
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Enigmatic
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3
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1617
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Taking Things For Granted.
(Preview)
Hi, it's WendyP, just wanted to share about my recent journey, when I couldn't get online to the MIP program. After trying and trying, and not getting anywhere, and with nothing that I tried, I really thought that I had lost it, and started to think of what it would be like for me to have to work my program,...
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WendyP
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4
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1834
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C2C, 11/22, spiritual recovery program
(Preview)
This reading implies that recovery means we are trying to regain something we lost. Living with active drinkers can cause a loss of spirit. Life is survival, a daily challenge, and hard work. The writer says that nothing helped when they were trying to do it by themself. Alanon helps us come to kno...
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Lyne
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3
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882
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Hope for Today nov 21
(Preview)
Good morning everyone- Todays reading is a focus on the steps and how they can help us take action in our lives. The writer describes step 5 and its suggestion for giving an order to our actions. Steps 1-3 help us build a relationship with the God of our understanding. We then work at becoming at peace w...
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yanksfan51
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1
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827
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20th November C2C
(Preview)
Today's author talks about alcoholism breaking their spirit before they found Al-Anon. Al-Anon gives a fellowship, a Sponsor, Twelve Steps and Traditions that allow them to heal their broken spirit. They share that their healing started when they quit fighting the God of other people's underst...
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Bettertomorrow
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2
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835
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November 19 - ODAT - First Things First
(Preview)
Today's reading in ODAT is told by a member who worked hard during their first year in Al-Anon to learn and practice the skills for being in a relationship with an alcoholic -- avoiding quarrels, not nagging or scolding, releasing resentments. Their relationship improved, but still there was an un...
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Freetime
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4
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819
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11/16/21 One Day at a Time - It’s Easy, Just Detach…right?
(Preview)
No...says today's contributor, not in the midst of trying times and circumstances and pressure of making decisions. No time to slip away to read a favorite Alanon chapter or attend a meeting, it is helpful to develop a quick, powerful resource we consistently draw upon to assist us. Perhaps, then, c...
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Enigmatic
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5
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1681
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ODAT in alanon, 11/15, truths we tend to forget
(Preview)
This reading looks at why we forget certain ideas or truths even though we are often reminded in meetings, for example: alcoholism is a disease, the alcoholic has an illness, and we should not punish people for being sick. Real acceptance is difficult, and our immediate attitude toward the alcoho...
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Lyne
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3
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1600
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Hope for Today Nov 14
(Preview)
Good morning everyone- Todays reading is about working through anger and the help that the 12 steps provide. The writer describes what she did in order to overcome her anger toward her mother. She decided to work through the steps and as is the practice in alanon, kept the focus on herself and the cha...
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yanksfan51
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2
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1268
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C2C 13th November - First Things First
(Preview)
In today's reading, the author talks about things being urgent, but rarely important and things that are important being rarely urgent, which feeds into a cycle of getting caught up in trivia which appears urgent, but then not having the time for the more important stuff. In essence, "First things...
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Bettertomorrow
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3
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303
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Hope for Today - November 12 - Serenity
(Preview)
Today's author used to lose their serenity all the time, reacting to things other people said or did, and could only find relief by hiding away in the bedroom. But now, having learned to use Al-Anon tools like slogans, trusting in a higher power, prayer/meditation, focusing on self-care, and findin...
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Freetime
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5
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1534
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Miracles in Progress Nov. 10
(Preview)
Hello MIP! AL-Anon reminds today's author that they can only deal with one day at a time. Thanks to this reminder, they are able to be more realistic about what they can do to improve their situation. Thanks to this focus on one day at a time, the author is freed from a constant sense of urgency. No probl...
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Skorpi
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2
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1569
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I can see clearly now
(Preview)
An interesting think is going on in my marriage. My A is in a different 12-step program. Progress is being made with her awareness level of when her behavior is off. Sometimes it is after the fact but at least its seen in retrospect. But we have had two very difficult weeks, with some resolve this mor...
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Lyne
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1
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980
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11/9/21 C2C Moving Beyond Survival
(Preview)
Today's author notes that our incredible human adaptability used to navigate difficulties early in our experience may be drawn upon even after we learn it is harmful to ourselves and others.Persistent use of one of these adaptations, manipulation, can leave rust on more effective, direct approa...
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Enigmatic
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2
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2076
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Nov. 4, ODAT - Discontent
(Preview)
The main reason for our unhappiness may be our dissatisfaction with what we have, how we live, and the way we perceive others' actions. We should seek contentment from within. If this self-searching reveals only that we don't yet have what we feel we deserve, we should look for ways to acknowledge and...
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Bbrave
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3
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1850
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ODAT, Monday, 11/8, self-love vs love of self
(Preview)
This reading describes what healthy love is and is not. Self-love can be the source of hostility, arrogance, a big ego, narrow mindedness, and closed to feeling for others. Love of self: love thy neighbor as thyself. We can love and help others when we are at peace with ourselves. False humility...
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Lyne
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3
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1294
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Hope for today nov 7
(Preview)
Good morning everyone: Todays reading is about the practice some of us have of doing the same thing over and over again and somehow expecting different results. The writer describes reacting to different situations in an impulsive way, eventually noticing that it was habitual and not founded in t...
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yanksfan51
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4
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2113
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info needed please
(Preview)
Good morning MIP. A person from my home group would like to join our message board. I don't know how to tell her to do this. I tried to help her sign up a few years ago and she was not successful. Can anyone tell me so I can help her join? Thanks so much, Lyne
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Lyne
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2
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1499
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November 5 - ODAT - Similarities not Differences
(Preview)
Today's reading in ODAT is a story about a Very Nice Girl who was reluctant to go to Al-Anon because felt she was "above" the sort of people who went there, and was ashamed that there was an alcoholic in her family. Once she was persuaded to go, she felt "above" other members whose speech or education was...
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Freetime
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3
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1435
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Courage to Change November 3
(Preview)
Hello MIP! In today's reading, the author shares how good it feels for many new-comers to find a safe place to share openly about their lives and experiences in the Al-Anon meetings. It can feel very good to share something and see people nodding, or have people come up after the meeting and share thei...
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Skorpi
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3
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1719
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ODAT in alanon, Monday, 11/1, erratic behavior
(Preview)
This writer talks about the special problems one can have living with an alcoholic: erratic behavior, social embarrassment, and other minor or major problems. In alanon, the non-alcoholic can find peace of mind. We are again reminded not to try and be helpful by giving advice, nor making judgeme...
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Lyne
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7
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377
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11/2/21 Role Play – Not if…Which, When, Why?
(Preview)
Who do we show ourselves to be in public, work, home asked a member...Does the alcoholic get the same happy face we take to Alanon meetings, our boss, fellow workers? Reminder: Honestly compare the roles we play in different life arenas. Do strangers and those we seek to impress receive better treatm...
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Enigmatic
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2
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1298
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SATURDAYS Hope for Today (service)
(Preview)
Hi Everyone, I made a 3 month commitment to post the daily reading from Hope for Today on Saturdays. That commitment has come to an end. I enjoyed it and thank you for your trust in me to perform this service for our Alanon family. Thank you for your shares on the Hope for Today topics! If another member wou...
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tiredtonite
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2
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985
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Hope for Today Oct 31
(Preview)
Good morning everyone: Todays reading is about the destructive nature in judging others. The writer describes having grown up in a family that communicated through teasing, criticism and jabs at one another. The writer developed a defense mechanism of sarcasm and ridiculing others. In general,...
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yanksfan51
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2
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1262
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30th October C2C - Grateful to be involved with an alcoholic
(Preview)
Today's author talks about being shocked that when they were a newcomer to Al-Anon, they heard people saying that they were grateful to be involved with an alcoholic. They couldn't believe these people had anything to be grateful for, yet them seemed happy despite their problems - which sounded ex...
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Bettertomorrow
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4
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325
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October 29 - ODAT - Pause
(Preview)
Today's reading is about how we make choices and decisions. Forethought -- including kindness toward other people affected by the decision -- will result in decisions we can live with comfortably. If we are feeling angry or agitated, it is wise to wait until the feeling has subsided so that we can ca...
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Freetime
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3
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585
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OCTOBER 30TH HOPE FOR TODAY - TRUST
(Preview)
Today's reading focuses on Alanon's Step 2 - Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. The Alanon member in this reading goes for a walk with their sponsor before an Alanon meeting to discuss their understanding of this step. They tell their sponsor that they know...
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tiredtonite
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2
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1092
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Oct. 28, ODAT - Poor Me!
(Preview)
Today's reading reminds us that when we are feeling overwhelmed, sometimes giving in to a poor me attitude, and try to change our thinking about it all, we may not have the success expected. We should concentrate solely on the day in front of us. TODAY'S REMINDER: This day is mine. It is unique. The choi...
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Bbrave
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3
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975
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Courage to Change October 27
(Preview)
Hello MIP! In today's reading, the author shares a concern they had about the love of their Higher Power. They feared that there was not enough love and guidance to go around. One day at the beach, the author noticed that no mater how many people there were, there was enough sun for everyone to enjoy. Th...
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Skorpi
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3
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1142
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Courage To Change Oct, 27th.
(Preview)
Hi, on reading this reading, the person says that there was enough of God's love and guidance to go around to everyone, especially to the ones who seek it. They went on to say that theirs was tested one night when someone else in the Meeting spoke about their Higher Power with intensity, personal love th...
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WendyP
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2
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1018
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10/26/21 ODAT The Insanity of our Magic Problem Magnifier
(Preview)
Step 1, admitting we are powerless is often thought of as the most challenging, but today's writer suggests Step 2's part-time sanity acknowledgement gets Honorable Mention.We can turn simple issues into 7-magnitude quakes and lose perspective completely, as if we would do better with more worr...
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Enigmatic
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3
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864
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Today’s fall colors
(Preview)
I saw some leaves today that are more like the October foliage Im used to! Enjoy
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yanksfan51
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4
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1255
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ODAT in alanon, 10/25, alanon’s secret
(Preview)
The writer says that alanon brings about changes in peoples lives because it has a secret: it is built on the fundamental ethical philosophy which has been around for ages. It is stated in widely different books including the Bible and fables of Aesop and it is about dealing gently with our fellowme...
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Lyne
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3
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636
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23rd Oct C2C
(Preview)
Today's author talks about being sure that the nightmare would be over once the alcoholic they loved got sober. But without the tranquilising effect of alcohol, she became verbally abusive. She accused, attacked, insulted and the author always defended themself. It seemed crucial that the AP u...
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Bettertomorrow
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4
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311
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Oct 24 Hope for Today
(Preview)
Good morning everyone: Todays reading deals with the interpretation of some words and phrases from the program and how our understanding might evolve over the years. The writer describes hearing defects of character and shortcomings from steps 6 and 7; the writer heard these words as ways that he/...
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yanksfan51
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3
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486
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October 23 Hope for Today - Higher Power
(Preview)
Today's Hope for Today tells of the experience of a newcomer to Alanon who learns that in Alanon one's higher power need not be defined by past understanding of a higher power. In Alanon, members learn that they have choices. Each individual in the program can embrace a higher power of their choosing...
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tiredtonite
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2
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1352
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Courage to Change October 20
(Preview)
Hello MIP! In today's reading, the author reflects on precious moments. As a child, the author would spend lengthy amounts of time watching a caterpillar crawl, just in case it were to do something spectacular. The caterpillar never did, however the author didn't mind because simply watching the...
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Skorpi
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2
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1199
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October 22 - ODAT - Self-Understanding
(Preview)
Today's writer shares that as we work the Al-Anon program to improve our peace of mind, we make an effort to understand our own drives and motivations, and to correct those that are hampering us. If we have the courage to face the emotions and behaviors that are hampering us, and we can do it without lett...
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Freetime
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3
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448
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Oct. 21, ODAT - MY inventory
(Preview)
Today's reading warns us not to take anyone's inventory but our own. Though we may feel our troubles are caused by the alcoholic and we want to justify our actions and deny fault, we should take a closer look at how we handle things. We may see that we could have reacted differently, and may, in fact, have...
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Bbrave
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3
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532
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I need so support
(Preview)
Hi I am asking for some support, as I have recently found that Alcoholism has raised it's ugly head in one of my beloved Family members, and I am feeling the effects of it all. It doesn't matter how long I have been in Al-Anon and working my program, it still hurts, a lot, and I find because I have the knowle...
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WendyP
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6
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1451
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distance bringing more clarity ... recognizing insanity was so hard in the moment but easier now
(Preview)
Recently some friends alerted me to social media post my ex had made; they were concerned that he was becoming unhinged and wanted to know if I knew that. Curiosity got the better of me so I went back to his FB page. He had made a number of long posts taking potshots at me and "everyone who had abandoned him f...
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Fedora
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6
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335
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New England foliage
(Preview)
This is for PNP and anyone else who isnt able to see changing leaves in person. Not the greatest pic But a tree right outside of my classroom. Happy fall, Everyone! Mary
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yanksfan51
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4
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278
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10/19 ODAT Don’t Fight the Windmills
(Preview)
Today's contributor points to the classic Don Quixote tale of errantly directed effort. Self proclaiming as a hero, he mistakes windmills for threatening giants and exhausts himself in the futile attempt to slay them.We, too, can pick fights with imaginary, or undefeatable targets.Reminder - D...
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Enigmatic
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1
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295
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Grieving for what is lost
(Preview)
Dear fellow MIP friends, I am struggling emotionally. My AH and I separated two months ago and I am now living on my own with my four wonderful children. The challenge is that I know 'logically' we are in the right place and I have made the right decision, but I am not feeling it. I still feel profoundly s...
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Bettertomorrow
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6
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717
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C2C, Monday, 10/18, have I forgotten what I learned?
(Preview)
The writer brings up the idea that sometimes it feels as though they have forgotten what they learned in program. For example if they havent practiced detachment for quite a while, it can feel as though they forgot what they knew. Its not that they have forgotten. The situation may be the same, but w...
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Lyne
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3
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1836
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October 15 - ODAT - Judgment and Control
(Preview)
Today's reading points out that newcomers to Al-Anon are often distraught, overwhelmed, and doing all the things we in the program have learned not to do -- manipulating, complaining, trying to outwit the alcoholic, etc. But we need to remember not to judge the newcomers or try to force decisions on...
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Freetime
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2
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2002
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October 16 Hope for Today
(Preview)
Today's reading tells a story of a couple of ducks who are separated from others by a patch of ice on a frozen lake and their struggle to join others. The larger group of ducks had busily swam and reached a large open area of water. One of the two isolated ducks tried to scramble over the patch of ice that sep...
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tiredtonite
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3
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316
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Hope for Today Oct 17
(Preview)
Good morning everyone- Todays reading is about the ability to separate the alcoholism from the person in our lives. In my case, I should say for so much of the time- the inability to separate the alcoholism from the person. The writer describes a perception she had of her alcoholic father that reduce...
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yanksfan51
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3
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1540
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C2C - self care 16th October (posted by mistake in the forum)
(Preview)
Sorry - I posted this by accident in the forum - so am reposting here.Today's reading talks about the importance of self care. The author talks about facing a stressful situation or tackling a tough problem and once they have done everything they can for the moment, they instead do something that wil...
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Bettertomorrow
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2
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1504
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Oct. 14, ODAT - Getting what we want
(Preview)
Today's reading reminds us that we came to Al-Anon to get something for ourselves, but had no idea how that was intimately involved with giving. Our willingness to help others, our sharing and giving of ourselves benefits US in the long run. TODAY'S REMINDER: The more I give of myself and the more gene...
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Bbrave
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2
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1988
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