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 page notes that some are surprised to find AlAnon is a workshop for them to solve their own problems. The Program provides the 'light' to see what is needed in repairs.
In answer to what to do with any numbers of trying circumstances brought about by the disease, one of the best replies is: anything that turns the focus back to us and away from our qualifier. Also, allow the wisdom of the program a chance to shine on the situation before we take action to 'fix' it.
Today's Reminder: Try not to make decisions until we are free from resentment, self-pity, and hopelessness; this gives us our best shot at a health decision.
"With the serenity I find in AlAnon many of my difficulties solve themselves without my help." - Unknown
*****************
When I found AlAnon, I had maxed out my resources trying to orchestrate my qualifier's recovery, and was ready to walk. With the help of the program, I realized I had a ton of work on my end that needed to be addressed.
The steps I took to bring myself into line with healthier perspectives, attitudes and behavior also made my situation much more livable. By remaining, I had to rely on the program heavily which was a blessing. Hitting meetings, readings, and meditation hard early on and during very difficult times paid off in greater growth in my recovery, felt peace and serenity.
Everyone must make their own decision on what is best for their situation. Benefits are ours if we follow AlAnon's guidance and we act, focus, make our decisions around what is best for us, not what we think is best for our qualifier. Grateful for the program
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thanks for sharing, Paul! This reading is a great reminder for me, especially during this time of year.
__________________
Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Good Morning Paul, I appreciate your posting your thoughts on this very important reading. The quote is perfect and I agree wholeheartedly. Many of my problems did solve themselves when I stopped reacting and began responding in a positive manner.
Without program I could never have arrived at the positive place because I was always reacting to the world from anger, resentment, self-pity and fear. With the program Iwas able to let go of these negative destructive tools and miracle of miracles, many problems solved themselves.
As you said, working the program also helped. Attending meetings, working with a sponsor doing the steps, using the slogans were all part of this whole process.
Thank you Paul for your service, the daily and your ESH. Thanks skorpi and Betty also for your shares. I was one who really thought I should have all the answers to fix other people. My decision making skills before program were as 'good as expected' considering my own insanity from the disease. I too was way more reactive than anything else. I felt as if logical think was not possible in the midst of the drama/chaos brought out by the disease.
Doing as suggested with literature, slogans, meetings and dialogue, I came to believe that emotional decision making was very destructive and rarely effective. Taking time to process, see the situation as is vs. as I wanted it to be and letting go of anger, resentments, past experiences and that which I could not control gave me the freedom to make better decisions for me/my needs.
I too love the quote and it's so, so true. I'm grateful today to practice new ways of doing, being and growing. Thanks to all of you for being here!!
__________________
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
