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.
The O D A T reading for April 25 speaks about alcoholism being a disease and only the alcoholic can set himself free from this compulsion. It validates the point that we non alcoholics enter Al-Anon, believing that we should be able to correct the situation that is causing us so much suffering. We find that the more we try to force this issue with tears.reproaches and threats,the worse it gets. You cannot cure a disease in this fashion
Al-Anon helps us cope with the situation by showing us how to recognize and correct our own mistakes in attempting to force a solution. The same philosophy can also be applied in all areas of our lives.
The reminder for today states that The First Step tells me that I must acknowledge that my life has become unmanageable and that I am powerless. My first task must be to manage my own life--. Whether or not the alcoholic is drinking or not. Learning to keep the focus on myself, attend meetings, meditate and pray it will help me to regain my sanity and make my life more manageable.
The quote for today is:"Help me to find peace of mind within myself by uniting myself with God's power and guidance. That is the spiritual way out of my difficulties, the only sure way..
I love this reading as it emphasizes the fact that I am powerless over alcohol and there is a better way. Al-Anon tools help me to keep the focus on myself ,take care my own life and my own sanity and that is the greatest gift of all.
Thanks Betty. I love your daily readings and comments.
Todays reading is hard for me because I have to remember that I have to do it for me....( not whether or not he is drinking, because he is not and is scared of it for his scare with cancer three times....) but whether or not he likes that I am putting me first in my life. He doesn't like it! He wants to be the center of my life. He wants me to sit on the shelf and be invisible when I am not needed and come out and play only with him when I am needed.
I am powerless over alcohol and I am also powerless over other peoples' attitudes. I am powerless over their happiness or sadness or anger or any other emotion. That was not the way it was taught in my house. I was taught as a child that I had to be nice to make other people happy. They never mentioned the people that didn't want to be happy even when I was nice. I thought being nice would result in others being nice. With normal people that is what happens. But we are facing abnormal people that want what they want
Since I am powerless, I have to think about me because I am the only one who is. All I have to remember is respect for others and my manners.... and my HP will lead the way and guide my hands and my words.
Dear MaryJane and Bethany Thanks for sharing your thoughts ont he reading. Living with and coping with the disease of alcoholism is indeed a difficult road. I am so glad we have found alanon tools along the way.
