Today's reading takes us back to the beginning of our Al-Anon journey.  We are asked to learn about the disease of alcoholism so many of us began to read all that we could find about the disease.  We began to analyze everything and wonder if Al-Anon was a philosophy or a philosophical system?  What would be the logical outcome of believing in a Higher Power?  And when was the Alcoholic going to have a spiritual awakening???

These questions busied my brain, but didn't help me get better.  But continuing in the program, we read, reread and rehearsed the 12 Steps and the 12 Traditions.  Slowly and gradually, we begin to catch on.  When we stopped analyzing and explaining everything and started living the principles in everyday situations, the program suddenly made sense - and WE began to change.

It is by embracing this program, working the steps and practicing the Al-Anon principals that we change and see things differently.

Today's Reminder:  Does analyzing my situation provide any useful insight or is it an attempt to control the uncontrollable?  Am I taking inventory or avoiding work that needs to be done by keeping my mind occupied?  I have heard the knowledge is power.  But sometimes my thirst for knowledge can be an attempt to exercise power where I am powerless.  Instead, I can take the First Step.

Today's Quote:  "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards." --- Soren Kierkegaard

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Step 1 is the beginning of our journey.  For me, I resisted coming to Al-Anon as I wanted to believe the entire problem and issues were not me/mine.  I knew much about the disease of alcoholism and how it affects the diseased person, but I wasn't convinced that it affected those around/who love the diseased.  I wanted to blame my insanity, the chaos and drama all on the alcoholic.

I came as my pain was so great....and I had tried everything else.  I listened because that's what I was asked to do.  I worked to hear the similarities vs. the differences.  I slowly began to digest that the disease has more power than I could understand or describe.  When I admitted powerlessness and surrendered, I began to change.  I stopped over-analyzing everything and everyone, and tried to keep the focus on me.

My life is so very different - a blessing.  My thinking has changed and I have healthy choices and tools for each and every situation I face!  Gratitude is often and almost always and I feel joy and peace.  Thank you MIP family for being a part of my journey!