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 30 speaks about the importance of " patience". It points out that often, prior to program, we have handled issues by simply ignoring them, and had little success with this process. This is denial
Thanks to Al-Anon we no longer have to wait for situation to explode. before we can look at them. One of the most useful tools in program is that of sharing at meetings and with alanon members. When we put our experience into words,they seem more real and we are less likely to push them aside. .As a result, we can often view these problems and meditate on how to deal with them before they grow and take over
The quote is from Living With Sobriety; "one of the most important aspects of the Al-Anon/ Alateen fellowship is the opportunity to have a voice and to live with confidence that we will not be condemned for speaking frankly."
"Being heard "is one of the biggest gifts I have been given in program. When I entered program I made myself invisible by not sharing my thoughts or connecting voice as I did in my FOO. Thanks to program and many meetings I have found the courage to connect in a meaningful manner, while accepting my assets, not giving advise as I treat everyone with courtesy and respect .
Patience for me takes practice, practice and then ... more practice. I sat in a constant state of fear for the other shoe to drop and/or what would happen next and rarely did my fears come to be as I projected them. I also have spent a ton of time using my mind, heart, emotions and skills trying to help, control and fix others, and often thought when things get better, then I'll ...............
I learned through the ESH of those who came before me that this was not living, this was surviving. I don't have to wait for doom, gloom and/or others to get well to enjoy my life and live it to the best of my ability. I always wanted to be heard in my home, and never seemed to receive that. In Al-Anon, not only do folks listen but they listen without judgement, negativity, retaliation and/or advice. Program folks are kind enough to allow me to learn as I go and not judge me, the qualifiers or the situation.
Finding my voice in this program to discuss things are are affecting me has been empowering. I can actually now contemplate a situation, share with trusted program friends and understand my part and/or my options. I am grateful that those who work this program help me focus on me and my recovery and not on the qualifier and what they are, will do or will not do. For me, sharing and fellowship help keep me 'real' and not in the denial of the disease.
Happy Saturday to one and all - off to F2F this AM!
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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
Welcome to MIP CheeezyNana - glad you found us and so glad you've joined in!!
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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
