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 ODAT reading for May 24 th talks about the Steps. In the beginning, the reading focuses on the First Step and how it is most important, to finally admit that we are powerless over the disease of alcoholism . It goes on to state that because of the confusion arising from these efforts, and this helplessness, our lives have been affected and we have done things that are not easy to endure or admit.
The meditation then reflects on Step Two and discusses that the 12 steps as a closely linked chain that will give us a clear understanding of our situation and how to grow and change.
Step Two, asks that we come to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. This means that although we cannot help ourselves. ---There is help --and to obtain that help, we must admit that her own behavior was not sane-- this is an invitation to humility without which there can be no progress.
In the reminder. It states that surrender to HP and the humility to make that surrender complete, is the first move we make towards relief from an intolerable situation. If we do our part we can rely on HP to open our eyes to solutions and restore us to peace.
I do know that the first step was extremely difficult for me because deep down I felt if I powerless and not attempting to control than chaos would break loose, the alcoholics with win and be in control and life would really fall apart. I avoided the steps in the beginning and stuck with the slogans because they were easier to use in my daily life. Over and over again I would recite the serenity prayer, say, let go and let God, and eventually started to feel the difference. Although I could not define this Higher Power, I was receiving the benefits and truly "coming to believe". Eventually, I was humble enough and trusting enough to know that if I surrendered. There was a power more powerful than alcohol, that could restore me.
As always Betty, thank you for your lovely and honest ESH!
Coming from the 'other side of the coin' into Alanon, I already believed I was powerless over alcohol and most people, places & things.
I struggled for a long while to accept that I did not 'cause' it, as my A sons often told me otherwise. I also struggled with not being able to 'cure it', as a mom should be able to fix any 'boo-boo'...
The biggest unmanageable item in my home was my actions and reactions when faced with the disease in another. Detaching from my AH was easier for me as I saw him as an adult able to affect change (or not) in his life. Detaching from the disease in my sons was much more difficult without working the steps and relying on the wonderful members of the Alanon fellowship.
I will be forever grateful to those who came before me and were willing to stick around and give back. I often wonder where I would be without them and this program!
(((Betty))) - make it a great day!
__________________
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
