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.
Today's reading addresses tradition 10- that al-anon has no opinion on outside issues.
The reader notes that thanks to this tradition, they were able to have a close relationship with their sponsor, even though the sponsor had personal views and opinions that would ordinarily conflict with their own.
The reading reminds us that as a group our only purpose is to help support one another to recover from the effects of alcoholism upon our lives, and that this allows the potential for developing supportive relationships with people who's views or opinions might ordinarily proclude this (and thus cause us to miss out on valuable supportive relationships with people we would ordinarily dismiss or even dislike.
It reminds us that we can take what we like and leave the rest, tolerating other's goals as we focus on our primary purpose- our own spiritual recovery.
The quote, from al-anon's 12 steps and traditions, is " within the fellowship, the one thing that has brought us together must remain our sole concern".
***
This is a timely reminder for me because how many times within the rooms of al-anon has my irritation with the views of another person overshadowed my recovery and participation? More than I would like to admit; in fact many times I have gotten my nose out of joint about the opinions of another person and completely lost sight of my reason for being there...recovery. Moreover, how much valuable and amazing support has come to me from folks that I would ordinarily assume I had nothing in common with and would not normally take the time to talk to?
I believe principles over personalities sums this up and, it ought be a slogan I remember to bring with me to al-anon at all times.
-- Edited by missmeliss on Sunday 21st of February 2016 10:25:19 AM
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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)
Thank you MissMel for the daily and your service. I am always amazed at how a fellowship could form, exist and thrive when we set aside personalities, titles, social status, etc. and just focus on principles and common recovery tools. It truly has always impressed me as there are no other successful organizations that are able to function, grow and thrive structured this way.
In my simple way of thinking, I view the program, the structure, the principles and the traditions as "Spirit-Inspired". My view of the world is that it's a perfect place and we (men/women/humans) come along and through our need to improve tend to disrupt. The Al-Anon program and it's sister program have survived, year after year exactly as originally designed and no human has yet been able to disrupt it by improvement.
I love that I can go to a meeting any where at any time and feel accepted and usually loved. I love that I can set my ego at the door, and cry if needed, shout if needed or just listen as needed. I love that the rules are easy to understand, consistent and group-focused. I love that opinions and advice as unwelcome and it's the ESH of those who've been there or close by is what's desired from each person able.
I have a few program friends that I speak with beyond meetings/fellowship and am truly grateful. There is a larger group that I don't socialize with BUT I know if I CALLED in crisis or with a need, they would be here/there in a heart-beat. I love that the most important person is the newcomer vs. he/she who's been there the longest.
I love principles before personalities as well as take what you like and leave the rest. Great for me to use beyond the program too!
(((Hugs))) to one and all!
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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
