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 February 3 speaks about the principles of the program leading to serenity. It suggests that many of us would've preferred to hear that the principles of the program would lead to sobriety and cure the alcoholic. We also had a misconception of the word "serenity". We thought Serenity" was like sitting on a mountaintop with a silly grin on our face, and I caring about anything.
Al-Anon suggested, that serenity will not strip me of my passion.-- Instead, it offered me a sense of inner security. With this freedom to live my life as fully and passionately as I pleased I found joy and happiness in even the smallest of chores because I tapped into an unlimited source of energy,and wisdom, my HP.
Additionally , I was better able to deal with life on life's terms because of Al-Anon tools. I found that "Nothing" can compare to the drama of exploring my full potential as a human. Once I had tasted a rich life. that could be mine with trusting HP, I discovered that serenity is a great treasure.
The quote is from In All Our Affairs; "Without this program I could not have appreciated how wonderful my life can be. In spite of difficult situations.
This reading is so very true I know I felt the same disappointment when I heard what alanon offered--serenity and principles to live by. I too thought that serenity would be boring. When I first felt serenity I was filled with such peace that I had never known that t I knew I wanted to hold on to it continually. Today with the help of HP and the tools I refuse to let old reaction and tapes rob me of my hard won serenity "
Thank you Betty for the daily - I got to my F2F meeting today and we read this and then discussed expectations. It's so funny to me that I too truly thought that serenity would be boring. I also was kind of scared on who I would be without these others to manage in my daily life. As I entrenched myself in the program, gained program friends, scheduled meetings and service work, etc. I did not have any issues with filling my time and how I spent my time/energy/efforts were far more rewarding.
I am grateful that happiness and joy and serenity are possible through working this program, keeping the focus on me. I am grateful that I was able to let go of my expectations of 'how I thought it should be' and found the inner peace and joy from my HP. This program has taught me to stop looking for happiness outside of me or in how others act, treat, react to me - but instead look inside me for it.
I am a true believer that happiness is an inside job. Thank you for your service and thank you to Al-Anon for this program that keeps me grounded...
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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
