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 C2C reading for July 27 speaks about the words from the; "Al-Anon suggested closing" This statement , is truly gold and reminds us to "let there be no gossip or criticism of one another." The reading then goes on to explain that we need to leave our judgmental attitudes at the doors of the meeting room in order to gain the benefits of Al-Anon meetings.The reading then suggests that many of us pick up our judgmental attitudes once we walk out of the doors of the meeting room . We begin the constant criticism and expectations of others and then isolate ourselves and become victims.
The reading then asks ,what happened to practicing the Al-Anon principle in all my affairs? Do I really think I can fully reap the benefits of this program by practicing unconditional love for single hour or two a few times a week. It may be a start-but only a start.
The reminder for today. Says we are human and cannot keep thoughts from coming into our heads. We do have a choice about whether or not to entertain them. A change of attitude means a changed way of thinking. I will look at the principles, I am practicing today.
And the quote is from William Law:" we must alter our lives in order to alter our hearts, for it is impossible to live one way and pray another."
I feel this reading is really important to really getting the benefit of the Al-Anon principles. For years I thought that gossip, criticism, judgment and sarcasm were all quite entertaining and harmless and an acceptable means of communication. This reading as well as working the steps proved me wrong . I am so pleased that I have learned to be able to communicate without judging and criticizing others. It is a true gift
Lovely reading and share today Betty - thank you for that!
I love hearing the closing. It reminds me of the healing and hope I experience with each meeting I attend and how wonderful it is that no matter who we are and/or where we come from, we are all equals in the fellowship.
I still tend to have my guard up outside the rooms, but am getting better and better all the time using the tools in my daily life.
Happy Monday to everyone and thanks for the lovely dailies that remind me I have to be willing to change and it comes from learning, strength and humility!
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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
I am guilty of criticism & gossip in the past. I don't like to think I still do. The reading reminded me of how easy it is to slip. I am not perfect. I just know that I am human. The closing to me is very important even though we don't read it every meeting. It seems that we always try to hurry because some of us like or need to leave early. I have not been faithful to my program. I read the C2C readings on here but rarely pick up the books. I am ashamed to say it but it is true.
Thanks, Betty for your commitment to this program. You are definitely a light to me when I feel the darkness of life.
I hope I didn't get too far off topic. I just know how much I need to be accountable to all of you.
Thank you. Iamhere, Kathleen and Debb, I appreciate your input and do believe that starting the day with one of the daily readings from Al-Anon daily readers puts me in an Al-Anon state of mind so that I can carry it through the rest of the day.
