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.
I think coming into alanon for the first time, that I was looking for something that I didn't know I needed. I knew I needed the support of others who have been in my situation, and the comfort of people who understand the effects of alcoholism. But deep down I also needed hope. Hope that my life would be better in recovery. That all the problems that plagued me would disappear. I needed to change my "stinkin thinkin". Well, the hope that I acquired in this program gained a new partner....Faith. I needed faith in a power greater than myself to help me change my life and my way of thinking. My problems are no longer just problems, but challenges for me to use the tools I have gained in alanon. They are opportunities to learn about myself. My best efforts to control my life and my alcoholic got me into this program, and it is the hope and faith in my higher power that will help me through recovery.
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Higher Power doesn't always wrap presents in pretty paper.
Hi Bob - Great post. You just summed up the first 3 steps beautifully.
I too learned I couldn't change the a but I needed something more to be able to change my life. The acceptance of powerlessness that came in Step One - the hope that came in Step Two that maybe there was a chance for sanity - and the faith that came in Step Three when I decided to let my Higher Power guide my life.
My journey in Al-Anon has been amazing - not always easy but always better than before the program.
