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.
Todays c2c challenges the idea that we "work" the al-anon program as we so often say and instead suggests that what we do is "practice" it in much the same way learning a foreign language requires us to actually practice what we have learned through conversation with others who already speak the language in order for it to become a lifelong habit.
Reading al-anon literature and understanding the principals or even working the steps is one part of our recovery and a very important one but, as the reading points out, an essential part of making these changes tangible and lasting is walking and talking the program with other people who practice it and continuing to do so because, in doing so we constantly find new ways to change and to grow.
It reminds us that just a little reading or the occasional meeting are not enough to become "skillful" at applying al-anon to our lives and that it takes commitment and "practice, practice, practice".
The quote is from Aristotle- We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit".
And how true this is...what a vast difference it makes to me when I spend time in the company of other members talking al-anon and practicing it, as compared to when I simply read over the reading, and then go on with my life. Bad habits and cruddy thinking creep in, and I would further add that spending time amongst positive, recovery-oriented folk is energising and uplifting and does wonders for me, especially when those around me are being negative and I find myself following suit.
Thank you all for being a part of it and helping create an environment where I can practice and learn!!
(((everyone)))
__________________
If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see? (Lewis Caroll)
Great daily Mel and lovely ESH! My day goes much better when I practice the program in all my affairs - and especially with those who also work the program. It is so easy to skip through my routine and then find myself discontent.....the best tool for me on these days is, "You can start your day over at any time!"...
Thank you for your post and service!!
(((Hugs))) back at ya!
__________________
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
When you are around negativity for Any length
of time it effects you. Your thinking Can start to
turn that way too. Even in recovery You catch
yourself and say what the heck, Where did that
negative reaction or thought come from?
You look at it and look at yourself and then
Analyze it. That is the joy of recovery stopping
Yourself and saying NO and making needed
Changes or just keeping away from the situation
Or person.
Recovery is hard enough without dealing with
Unhealthy people. Most of us have them still
Though, I just keep my God shield on to stay
Mentally and emotionally safe.
