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 CC reading for December 23 speaks about "belonging in Al-Anon. " The Third Tradition suggests that the only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend. If we are not aware of alcoholism in a family member, the reading suggests that we continue to attend meetings ,because if we feel comfortable and can relate to the shares then we belong.
The reminder says one of the signs, I had been affected by alcoholism that I think I know what everyone else needs to do. Everyone must decide for themselves whether they meet the requirement for Al-Anon membership. I will extend the same courtesy to others.
Personally I think that there is not one person on this planet that does not have a relative or friend who has been affected by alcoholism so that everybodycould actually be a member.We have a long time alanon member in my weekly Step meeting who continually reminds us that he did not know he had any alcoholism in his family when he arrived. He was filled with denial but knew he felt better after each meeting. He was encouraged to keep coming back and he did . After several years, layers of denial faded and he was able to see the truth of his family and knew he belonged. His family was filled with alcoholics and had he been refused membership in the beginning, he might never have survived.
The incredible wisdom of this program continues to amaze me.
Thank you Betty for the daily and as always, for your ESH. I had my F2F meeting today and we had a new member attend. We talked about how we got there, what it was like before and what it's like now. I could see the pain and fear on the new member's face, and it reminded me of my own when I first arrived.
This disease is so damaging and painful - thank Goodness for Al-Anon, the steps and all who walk this journey. There have been moments when I have wondered if I need to make a change (try a different meeting, different location, etc.) and then I remember the way the program works - principals before personalities, take what you like and leave the rest, etc.
These simple yet powerful concepts have kept me going, committed to my recovery and committed to my group. I feel blessed when I remember what it's all about - happiness, joy and freedom from my obsession with my qualifiers!
Great reading - I agree that the wisdom continues to amaze me too Betty.....I no longer wonder where I'd be without it - I instead just 'roll' with it and find gratitude that I arrived!
(((Hugs)))
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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
