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.
Pain comes and goes, suffering is something we hold on to ~ Al-anon
"They say that pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. If I learn to accept that pain is part of life, I will be better able to endure the difficult times and then move on, leaving the pain behind me." (fromCourage to Change: One Day At A Time in Al-Anon II, page 83).
"When we long for life without...difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure." -- Peter Marshall
I take it that learning to overcome my pain and suffering, through fellowship, has and will make a better and stronger person of me. I believe that it has and will continue to, for all of us in Al-Anon.
So how do we overcome our pain and suffering? By being there for each other, by example we support and share, by working the steps and learning to accept, respect, and change our perception and perspective.
TGIF
{{HUGS}}
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"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it
does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart". ~ unknown
Thanks Debbie, never thought I liked "suffering" until I looked and discovered that prior to program I seemed to live it it constantly.
My sponsor suggested this was because I had no other tools and because I refused to accept that "Pain" was a part of life' In my "magical thinking" world, I thought I could live life with such grace and power that I would never have to feel pain or suffering.
Thanks to alanon, I can now process my sadness, grieve, pray, let go of the past , live in the present moment without projecting to the future. What a gift .
I am off to the beach This has been a great summer.
Thanks Debb for the definition and your ESH! I can relate to what Betty discusses - living with extreme suffering, most of it caused by my own processing between my ears. Before the program, I often took everything or most things personally - even when it did not have much to do with me. I processed as if I were the center of the universe, which has since been changed by the steps, tools, slogans and working with a sponsor.
Have a great day at the beach Betty - sounds perfectly delightful!!!
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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
