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 April 16 speaks about the pain that we are experiencing when we first enter the program. It points out that this pain enables us to open our minds and hearts to whatever the program and the members are sharing with us. It suggests that we soon discover that what we go through in life is not as important as how we interpret the experience.
In other words, we have choices about our attitudes.
The reading goes on to say that many of us expected our happiness to come through others, especially our alcoholic partners or parents. We spent most of our time waiting for them to show their love and approval in a way that we can understand it-- if they didn't, the result was we felt unloved . Al-Anon helps us to interpret situations differently.
By working the Steps we can learn that we are lovable regardless of what anyone else thinks. We can feel sorry for what we missed or we can appreciate the chance to learn to love and appreciate ourselves. We have choices.
The daily reminder wraps it up nicely. It is time to stop waiting for others to take care of me-- The only person who can love me the way I want to be loved is me.
The quote is from Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism; "gradually, I accepted the fact that my"IF ONLY" wishes were not about to come true, but I also learned that I could be happy even if they didn't.".
Staying in the moment, in the day, not projecting to the future and leaving the past in the past, reciting the serenity prayer, not reacting but responding surely helped me to allow the goodness of the day to influence me and helped change my attitudes.
Thank you Betty. One of the greatest strengths of this program is realizing that we have everything we need- our faith, our selves, the people around us.
Thanks Betty. For me this reading speaks to 'obedience to the unenforceable'... and that means being PROACTIVE in our recovery journey, rather than RE-ACTIVE. I am fully responsible and accountable for my reactions. With the help of this program, my happiness and serenity is mine for the taking- not someone else's to give me.
Hugs to all,
Cyndi
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"There will be an answer. Let it be." ~ The Beatles
I too see this as proactive living in search of peace, serenity and joy. I am 100% responsible for my actions, attitudes, circumstances. I do have all that I need to make a change or work on me....between the program, my HP and those I surround myself with.
The 4 M's also popped into my brain as I read this - those got me into so many situations that were not on my side of the street, and then when things went different than my plan, I was disappointed or upset at the outcome.
Great thread and great shares! I am grateful for the pain I had when I arrived - had it not been 'there', I might not feel so strongly about changing me, my attitudes and my actions/reactions. HP knew exactly what to do for me to change and how to do it!!
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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
