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 reading is about concept five, -'assuring that the voices of the minority be heard'. The writer goes on to say that the concept had particular importance since he/she suffered with low self esteem and general unworthiness at the hands of the disease. I think that for many of us, how our thoughts and opinions are received by others is extremely important. In terms of program and meetings, concept five is a protection for those whose opinions are not in the majority, and as stated in this reading is tempered by tradition two, which states that the only authority is a loving HP.
The thought for the day is about whether we are able to express ourselves without expectations of others and how they will perceive us? I have grappled this one on many levels- saying things that I know other people want to hear, staying quiet even when I want to speak up, or being disappointed that my thoughts or opinions were not received the way I imagined they might be. Today I try to remember that if I am honest, kind, and have no ulterior motive I can freely speak my mind.
Great concept and reading,thanks Mary. I am always so impressed with alanon' s Steps, Traditions and Concepts as they appear to( and do) so understand the disease of alcoholism to the very depths of my soul. Being heard is so very important to my recovery because that was something I never found growing up in my FOO.
Feeling safe enough to be able to share, is a wonderful gift to give to others. By keeping an open mind, accepting that we are all entitled to our opinions and trusting that HP is in control, enabled we to share at meetings and thankfully take these principles out into the world and recover.
Thank you Mary for your service, your ESH and today's daily! Before Al-Anon, my goal in life was to be right! I used my ability to articulate well to 'win'. I rarely listened well and truly spent more time anticipating my response instead of seeking to understand and hear others.
The program has given me a new set of tools. I can listen actively, look for the similarities and seek to understand. I no longer have to be right and when my motives are pure, can share as I need to how I need to and feel safe doing so. I love the concepts and like hearing/learning more about them. Progress is a great daily goal - and I love how Al-Anon shows me to take what I can use and leave behind that which I can not - I can go back and pick 'those' up later if I find a desire/need.
Happy Tuesday all! Hope your day is great!
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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
