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.
It speaks about how much recovery , growth and satisfaction can be gained by sharing in an Al-Anon group (or on the MIP Message Board). ,The sharing can be by giving of our time by serving as chairperson, treasurer, literature person, and by giving of ourselves by simply listening at a meeting, or sharing our ESH.
The reading points out that at first we come to Al-Anon to" get something" for ourselves and then we discover that our willingness to help each other has an immediate beneficial reaction on us. Our progress in the program really does depend on our sharing of ourselves,
The reading goes on to point out the more we give of ourselves by generously opening our heart and mind to each other, the more growth we experience. It is important to note that in Al-Anon we never measure our giving against our getting. The very giving provides my reward.
This quote says it all:"The giver is only a channel of the gifts he has received from God. We cannot hoard or withhold them without blocking the channel".
I really love how Al-Anon has taught me how to give in a constructive manner. I can open myself to others without giving advice and witness their renewal. as well as my own. What a gift!!
HP works in such mysterious ways! I went to a meeting Monday night and it was about service work and the 12th step....Before this program, I was 'me focused' - life was unfair to me, I wasn't getting what I wanted from others, others were mistreating me, I need, I want, I, I and I again!! What I've found in the program is that I feel the best when I am of service! Whether it's in a meeting, here at MIP, at an event, even at a family gathering - I have more peace when I am of service.
I view myself as a limited resource. I can only get more knowledge, wisdom, peace, serenity, etc. IF and WHEN I clear out. I can only clear out by sharing with others and giving of myself.
I do believe I am just a vessel - a messenger for my HP to reach and heal others. At times, that comes from doing nothing but being present and providing a shoulder or an ear.
Grateful for all of you here and for my program - F2F meeting today @ my home group!! Have a marvelous day everybody!
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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
