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.
This is an important part of the suggested closing in alanon.
"Take what you like, and leave the rest"
Many people in recovery, weather it be Alanon, or AA, or any program, are coming from a terrible place, a place where we all were once ourselves. It is hard to break some of the nasty disfunctional habits that can threaten our group harmony, but thankfully there are people far enough in their program to share their wisdom on letting things go, and not taking what they don't want to take. (leaving the rest).
When we were newcomers, there were people who let us work our way through our crap, we need to do the same for people newer to the program than we are. We need to keep our eyes focused on OUR OWN program. STEPS, TRADITIONS, CONCEPTS, SLOGANS, Experience, Strength, and hope.
When I listen to someone share, if I find something that I can apply to my life, I take it, and apply it to my life. If it doesn't work, I give it back .
I ALWAYS try to use my own Experience to help someone through their situation. I share with my whole heart. If their situation is not similar to mine, often I don't share. I will just say thanks for sharing, and offer a hug after the meeting. I am not here to help everyone.
My friends, if you dissagree with someone's post, please don't reply. Who am I to judge what other peoples ESH are all about. Because they don't help me or apply to my life doesn't mean that they don't help someone else.
If you feel discouraged, pull our your literature. Use the index, find something that matches what you are feeling.
For me, I have to ALWAYS remember this one slogan:
TAKE WHAT YOU LIKE, AND LEAVE THE REST
This is our board, and it is only as healthy as we make it.
I so love this program and the things it teaches us. I think the notion of taking what we like and leaving the rest goes along with the slogan "Live and Let Live," as well as the tradtions that encourage mutual respect.
Emmie
PS: My sponsor suggested that when I hear those words at the end of the meeting, I translate them to myself as "Take what you like, and consider the rest," in case there is something I have heard that I am not ready to accept yet, but which might be useful to me later if I do not totally leave it behind. This works well for me toward fostering open mindedness, open heartedness, and my willingness to accept that my own perspective is limited by my experience and my level or lack of understanding, and cannot be broadened unless I am open to incorporating what others offer me.
. 
Aron in the Mountains