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 January 14 speaks about being powerless over alcoholism. It points out that others in the fellowship have tried and failed as well so that as we look around we will see that they are happy and willing to accept this reality. By letting go of the battle that we are sure to lose, we become free.
Accepting that nothing we did or did not do will convince our loved one to want to get soberis important . Many of us, understand this intellectually, but it took a long time before we believed it in our heart.I know this is so true of myself.
I found and the reading confirms that frequent Al-Anon meetings, phone calls and readings were indispensable to the learning process. When we are able to accept that we are truly powerless over alcohol our lives become more manageable. Today I choose to take the path to personal freedom that begins when I surrender.
The quote is from the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions; "our spiritual growth is unlimited and our rewards endless if we try to bring this program into every phase of our daily lives." I found this to be so very true
I felt such a wonderful sense of freedom and relief when I finally resigned to the fact that I have no control over AH and his recovery or anything he does. He needs to make his own choices in life just like anyone else. I remember when I used to take photos of the recycling bucket full of beer cans and show people and say look what he is doing! They would just shake their heads not knowing what to say or say OMG! It didn't help the situation at all.
Now when people ask how is B doing? I say very well thanks one day at a time. But when people start bringing up the fact that he is hanging around or working with old drinking buddies I say that's his decision not mine. I can't follow him around all day like he's a little toddler. He is a grown man who can decide whether he feels hanging around these old friends is a risk to his sobriety or not. I like the place I'm at now. Thanks to the program and all of you!
Thank you Betty for the daily and it does ring so true. I am powerless of the alcohol, the alcoholic, as well as their actions/reactions/choices, etc. I am one who needs a daily reminder and ask to keep them frontal in my morning prayer. I am also one who tends to be more centered if I stay close to the program and suggested actions each day, and I no longer am a fox-hole prayer person. Prayer and meditation are a part of each day, morning and night with other program things scattered through my day.
Practicing these principles in all my affairs only can happen for me when I am as aligned as possible with the program. I agree Rosanne - the freedom and relief I felt when I finally accepted I was powerless and not responsible for the actions of my qualifiers was almost beyond words.
I also love the quote from the 12 & 12 - and it seems to be real for my life in recovery. I feel as if there is more to be learned and more to be gained each and every day!
Make it a great day MIP folks!
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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
