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 24 speaks about being in an Al-Anon meeting with others who truly understand the disease of alcoholism and the painful experiences of living with the disease.
Many of us, as the results of living with the disease, develop a martyr like attitude. We see ourselves as bravely sacrificing ourselves for the common good.
Al-Anon suggests that this is not true or necessary. Attending meetings, sharing with others who understand as few others can will allow " Realism " and truth to take over.
Al-Anon meetings give us the opportunity to share with others and see that although we are each unique in some ways,we are more like others, than we ever suspected. By seeing and accepting this connection we can then begin to appreciate this sense of fellowship,pick up the tools that work for others and attempt recovery.
The quote is from the Al-Anon suggested Welcome; "When we learn to place our problem into perspective, we find it loses power to dominate our thoughts and our lives."
This worked for me I no longer had to "prove" I was different. I could identify and stop comparing . What a gift.
Lovely reading today - thank you Betty for your ESH and the daily.
I vaguely remember sitting at a meeting when I was new and wondering how in the world did those 'there' have so much peace? My life, thinking and view was so distorted by this disease, instead of getting hopeful that I too could find peace, I made the assumption I was worse off than them. Boy - I had so much to learn about the disease and the program....
When I began to stop thinking during meetings and stopped comparing myself to others, I was able to actively listen...for the message and the plan for recovery. These loving folks who never judged me helped me understand that the peace and joy they had resulted from their efforts in the program, and that it's an 'inside job'.
They taught me to stop looking for peace, happiness, joy, etc. from outside my being and turn inward for the answers I seek. They taught me how to accept the disease and all that it brings. They taught me how to believe in HP's will and how to love others unconditionally, no matter what they were doing/not doing/saying.
I would not trade my Al-Anon experience and friends for anything. It is one place where I feel completely free to be me - no judgments, no strange stares and no 'free advice' unless I ask!
So grateful for MIP, Al-Anon and my program.....where would I be without it?
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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
