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.
Today's reading is about the realization that Alanon brings- 'we are not alone'. The first time someone offered that phrase to me it felt like a warm blanket on a cold day. Living with alcoholism-- as a child in an alcoholic home, and an adult in an alcoholic marriage was so isolating. I FELT very much alone, so starting to know that I was not, for me, was the first step toward a healthier life. The reading goes on to speak about the tools of the program- working the steps, the slogans, readings and meetings- every thing that helps us in our recovery. All I have to do is think about where I was when I first came to this site (not sleeping or eating, always anxious, depressed etc etc) and how life is now (starting each day with readings, working with my sponsor through the steps and traditions, meetings). My life has become full of things that are healthy for me and I'm grateful for it. A quote is used in this reading: "the healing is in the hearing". This has certainly been true for me, learning something every time I've come here and gone to meetings.
I know I have gained strength from hearing and reading your experience, strength and hope-thank you all!
Dear Mary, thanks for posting this important message this morning. I agree, knowing that I was not alone, breaking the isolation caused by living in the insanity of alcoholism was one of the greatest tools that the program first offered.
I was surprised when I first entered the rooms by the amount of compassion and empathy that I felt. I was always an individual who tried never to need others and when I was welcomed with such love I knew that I was in a safe place.
The steps, slogans a sponsor, all directed me into finding peace and love of the program while letting go of all my negative beliefs and practices.
I am privileged to be sharing the journey with you and all the members of this MIP family.
Thanks for your service. Hope to make it a good day.
Happy Tuesday to you too! Thanks so much for the daily and for the ESH.
Before I came to the program, I truly believed that nobody would understand or even believe me. The drama and chaos seemed so larger than life, and I truly felt isolated and alone. Those 4 words - You are not alone - were such a game changer for me. I maybe wasn't fully ready to address all my story, but I was fully ready to listen and learn.
I am beyond words grateful for this program and all it has given me. That includes you all and MIP. We have a gift in each-other and this online fellowship - and it's so comforting to know we can share, spill and vent without judgement, scorn or fear.
Hugs to all - make it a perfectly lovely 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
Thanks Mary for posting this. I am just starting to appreciate this concept. Like Hotrod, said,
" I was always an individual who tried never to need others "
I'm just starting to realize that I do need others, along with my higher power. My journey has taken me in and out of these rooms, never quite ready to admit that I really need to be here, that I really am powerless over most of the people and situations I've been trying to control.
Thank you for thIs. It's exactly what I needed to hear.
