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 C2C talks abot learning that it's safe to be ourselves in al-anon.
The writer shares that they feel they can share embarrassing secrets they once kept carefully hidden with their al-anon friends, where once they would keep quiet at all costs.
They also share that once they refused to smile because they were ashamed of their appearance but now, because they can share with people they trust, they accept that they are worthy and can smile and enjoy being themselves.
The reading reminds us that even when we feel ashamed of something, someone in the fellowship will be able to help us see it in a different way, and that if we allow it, the truth can set us free.
The quote is from August Wilson, "You get to the point where your demons which are terrifying, get smaller and smaller, and you get bigger and bigger".
***
Boy do I ever relate to this. For a start, I spent most of my life not smiling because, way back when, I had a boyfriend who was always picking on my teeth. I developed a way of smiling if i had to with my mouth firmly shut (which, when I look at pictures, made me look slightly insane lol!)
But more, I thought my "secrets" were so unique and so awful that no-one would be able to like me if they knew the truth. I thought there was something rotten about me deep down that people would see if I let my cover slip. Al-anon and the wonderful people within it have helped me let that cover down and be able to see the real me without feeling ashamed or worried I'll be rejected. I have made mistakes and behaved poorly at times during my life but, so have other people. Thanks to my program I can see these bad experiences as learning and growth opportunities instead of agonising shameful secrets. It's so liberating. Yay!!! Thanks, al-anon!!
-- Edited by missmeliss on Wednesday 20th of April 2016 04:28:46 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)
Love this reading as it details why meetings and sharing are so important and how we can learn to stop judging ourselves with unrealistic standards and accept ourselves completely.
I have heard that al anon is not a self improvement program but a self acceptance program. I found once I "accepted myself" I could easily see what I did that "hurt me" and become willing to develop new tools to live by .
Love the quote from August Wilson. "You get to the point where your demons which are terrifying, get smaller and smaller and you get bigger and bigger." So true
The quote of the day truly resonates with me.....the longer I work this program and trust HP, the stronger I feel and those 'things' from before seem smaller and smaller and smaller....I am so grateful that I got to Al-Anon, and put my focus and energy on me - the promises are so worth the effort.
I have my warts and today, they are just a part of me - my being, my person. I truly believe that God wants to best possible life for me and if I continue to do the next right thing, more will always be revealed.
Thank you MissMel for the daily, your service and your ESH! Betty - I always learn from your ESH - thank you too!
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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
When I first came to Al-Anon, I never shared at live meetings. One time I did and started to cry, and that was that for me. i am comfortable in writing and will glady relay my entire life story to the masses ! Ha! (if you hadn't noticed yet *smile)
I am happy to say that I have grown apparently, because last night I went to my 4th meeting since my 'return' to Al-Anon practice, and I shared for the 2nd time. Last week I shared and I got a little teary and my voice shook. Last night I shared on the topic of 'decision making' and I was much more confident. This is big growth for me. I am starting to feel comfortable. My motivation last night was the two young adults next to me who came in late, and after the meeting started, they realized they were at the wrong meeting. They were looking for 'the addicts meeting'. Our meeting is a closed meeting, however, I did not want them to feel uncomfortable or 'call it out' since the meeting had started so I quietly told them it was ok, you are always where you are supposed to be. I could tell they were riveted and truly absorbing all the sharings, and I wanted to be a part of that for them as well.
Baby steps !
Thank you for your service ~
Cyndi
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"There will be an answer. Let it be." ~ The Beatles
I could tell they were riveted and truly absorbing all the sharings, and I wanted to be a part of that for them as well.