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.
This reading is about how for some of us recovery was imagined with a 'finish line'. If we just did what we were supposed to do, at some point we would graduate from Alanon and really start living our lives! The writer points out that after a couple of years in the program character defects would surface from time to time, and she felt an impatience about this. What she began to realize was that her recovery could be compared to a physical ailment she lived with-- that the same patience and consistent care it took to live with her physical problem also applied in terms of recovery.
Consistent loving care for ourselves and patience in recovery- includes meetings, readings, work with a sponsor and service work. The thought for the day compares alanon with physical therapy- for our souls. I'm thinking about something I heard at an open AA meeting recently- when does an A drink? When celebrating, or when depressed, after receiving a new job, after losing a job, when meeting someone new, after breaking up w someone. When do I need to work my program? When celebrating, when depressed, after receiving a new job, after losing a job, when meeting someone new, after a breakup. I need to be working my recovery every day!
I'm grateful to be here with you-- have a great Tuesday!
Great Reminder Mary. Years ago I accepted the fact that I was a life time member of alanon and that I needed the Spiritual connection of the rooms and the members to maintain my courage, serenity and wisdom. Love the concept that program is:" physical therapy- for our souls." So very true
Mary - thank you for your service, ESH and today's daily reading! What a great reminder for me that maintenance of my program is not optional - it's mandatory for me. I can remember still the anger and mess I was when I arrived - angry I had to be there when I was the 'well one' and mess - because I could not think straight or live the way I was any longer.
I am grateful that my meeting has a great mix of attendees and that most work the program daily. I am often reminded that we have to stay present to see and enjoy the promises. I agree with Betty - I need the program, meetings, sponsor, etc. to maintain my courage, self-respect and dignity. The more I practice this program, the less I slip and slide away.
Newoz - around here, we suggest we are either moving forward or sliding backwards - in recovery, there is no standing still. This keeps me grounded in my belief that I will never graduate, and I am grateful!
Make it a great day 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
Thank you for sharing this. I had some of my defects of character rear their ugly heads on me last night and got my feelings hurt in the process. Acceptance was NOT being practiced by me at all. Today I have tools and I can reassess myself and the situation. It's good to know I can find solutions and that I am never alone in program.
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Never grow a wishbone where your backbone ought to be!
