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 November 27 suggests that as the result of of living with the disease of alcoholism, many of us have developed survivor tools in order to live . The reading points out that we have been through many struggles and that we are more than our struggles, and more than our troubles. We are human beings with dignity and a wealth of experience that we can put to use by sharing it with those who are going through similar difficulties.
We need not fear the challenges of the future will be too difficult because we know with the guidance of HP and the strength and knowledge gained from Al-Anon we are capable of facing anything life brings. Although we once viewed our lives as a tragedy, we now have a different perspective on those experience. We know that we are stronger people as a result of what we lived through and if we choose, we can regard everything that happens in our life as a gift from which we can learn and grow today.
I do attempt to find something positive hidden within a difficult situation and allow myself to be grateful. I am always surprised at how well this works.
The quote is from Charles Beard; "when it gets dark enough you can see the stars."
Thank you Betty for the daily, your service and your ESH! Boy - my day has gone a bit different than planned but not at all in a bad way. I woke up super early and began cleaning, went to my meeting, cooked brunch and laid down for a long afternoon nap. Nice!!! I am still recovering from my thanksgiving food coma or so it seems!
I love that Al-Anon gave me hope almost from the moment I walked into a meeting. Others who had been working it for a while were genuinely happy and I knew enough about the disease to 'see' recovery in action. I felt cared for - even love - from the first meeting on, like I mattered and would survive somehow, some way.
I am one who was so broken before arriving that I truly deep down thought I would live with a perpetual black cloud above my being. I now know when things are tough, it's not the end of the world. Most of my crisis are real issues, but they are not as 'blown up' as my distorted thinking made them out to be. I was taught early on to try and find what's working well in my life instead of always focusing on what I'd like to see improved.
Love that quote and I love looking at the stars. I am amazed now that my mind is clear how differently I see nature, and all the beauty around me. I am grateful for recovery, Al-Anon and MIP! Hope your team wins - we're playing Sunday night football - game time....2.5 hours away!!
(((Hugs)))
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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
