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.
Good morning to one and all and happy Friday! Today's reading shares about how uncertain or confused we were when we came to the Al-Anon program. The writer suggests one struggle with understanding what was our responsibility vs. what was not. A lovely list of items resulted from program effort and step work to include:
- To be loyal to our value set
- To please ourselves first
- to keep an open mind
- to detach with love
- to rid ourselves of anger and resentment
- to express our ideas and feelings instead of stuffing them
- to attend Al-Anon meetings
- to keep in touch with friends in the fellowship
- to be realistic in our expectations
- to make healthy choices
- to be grateful for our blessings
The share goes on to suggest certain responsibilities to others to include:
- to extend a welcome to newcomers
- to be of service
- to recognize that others have a right to live their own lives
- to listen, not just with ears but with our heart
- to share joy as well as sorrows
We are NOT responsible for our qualifiers' drinking, sobriety, job, cleanliness, diet, dental hygiene or choices. We should treat them with courtesy, gentleness and love so that we both may grow.
The reminder suggests that when we are tempted to interfere with something that is not our business we can instead turn our attention back to ourselves in some way and practice self-care.
The quote from "Living with Sobriety" ----- "I have a primary responsibility to myself: to make myself into the best person I can possibly be. Then, and only then, will I have something worthwhile to share."
This is one of many pages that I have bookmarked to refer to and read. It helps me, in black and white, see what I am responsible for and what is not my concern. If I am unsettled, my own thinking can blur those lines at times, and it's nice to have a clear, concise, comprehensive list that helps me sort it out.
I am so grateful that this was today's reading! I have a full and busy day planned that does include some interaction with my qualifiers. I woke up a bit anxious about this and know it's my own issue in how I project possible outcomes. If I can instead stay focused on me and this moment, I am blessed. My hope for today is we all remember how special we are, and that when we work to best our best version of us, there is no limit to the serenity we can attain.
Enjoy your day and thanks to one and all for being here!
__________________
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
Ah great reading and share. I too have a lot of interaction with my qualifiers to look forward to over the coming days so, I might review the list before I leave the house each day over the easter break lol
Hugs, hope your day is wonderful IAH and thanks for your service :)
__________________
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)
Thanks IAH Great summary of program principles and tools If I can implement each of these in all my affairs each day. it would be perfect . Naturally I am a work in i for progress and not yet perfect so it is grand to aim toward a day filled with courage, serenity and wisdom.
Thanks for your service. Have a Great day.
