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 September 21 speaks about living with the disease of alcoholism. It points out that living with this disease, we become fearful and dread change.
This is not because life is perfect but because we are familiar with the chaos, think we're in control and dread any change.The reading suggests that this is another illusion, because we are powerless over alcoholism and change is inevitable.
By working the Al-Anon program, we can begin to see that change is not always bad because by using the tools of this program many positive changes will occur.
By believing in a Power greater than ourselves, we are given the courage to walk through many of our fears We know that HP is walking with us and become secure in the knowledge that we are always taken care of when we listen to our inner voice.
The quote is from the alanon CAL, Living with Sobriety; "We may wonder how we're going to get through all the stages and phrases, the levels of growth and recovery--- knowing we are not alone quiets our fears and helps us gain perspective.".
Before program I never acknowledged that I was a fearful person because I didn't have the tools to deal with the fear. Al-Anon gave me those tools. By trusting HP and praying for courage. I have been able to walk through many difficult and painful experience with courage serenity and wisdom. I am very grateful to this program.
Thank you Betty for today's C2C. I too am very grateful to the Al-anon program.
Al-anon has helped me, as well, to release the fear, grow as an individual and
come to know my HP.
__________________
"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it
does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart". ~ unknown
Thanks Betty for the daily and for your service. I didn't dread just change - I dreaded most moments that were yet to happen. I lived with dread and didn't even realize that most of it was because of fear. Fear of the unknown, of the disease, of those I lived with and what they might do next, etc.
I thought I was brave and strong and was handling things well. As it turns out, I was not - I was in denial and my actions and reactions were based solely on the chaos and drama that this disease brought into my home. I rarely stopped and thought about the next right thing; I felt I was living in a reactive combat mode - every moment I was awake.
The program and all the tools have taught me to live in the truth. The truth of the disease, the truth of how it's affecting those I love and myself. The program has given me tools to manage myself, my emotions and my truth, no matter if I view it as good, bad or indifferent. This program has given me a spiritual guide that teaches me to engage my HP and put my faith and trust in him for all matters.
So long as I do what others suggest, based on their experience, strength and hope, I feel as if I can survive anything with some level of dignity and grace. I can still be fearful but I have tools to help that and I am very grateful that I no longer have perpetual anxiety and dread.
Thank you Al-Anon & MIP family for being my lifeline!!!
__________________
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
