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 all about the tools of our program - the power, portability and presence. When we begin this program, we learn about all kinds of tools that can help us lean into the program way of life. There is our literature, our program friends/phone numbers, our meetings, etc. We often begin our journey considering their use only with our qualifier. We discover in time that our tools work well beyond one person or one event, and can help us anytime, anywhere that we begin to loose perspective.
Many in Al-Anon have daily readers in their purses. Others carry a phone list in their wallet. It is suggested anytime we feel a bit uncomfortable or off-balance, we can decide to step away and use a tool - any tool - to regain our balance in our new way of life.
And, perhaps the most powerful tool we have is prayer. We can pray anytime, any where without any reason to step aside. Being still for just a moment to ask for guidance from our HP can save the day/moment. Others can't detect it, yet the power is so grand it can bring proper perspective to the most unmanageable of situations.
Today's reminder -- It is good to know about the tools of the Al-Anon program, but it is better to put them to use. Today I will remember that the program is available to me at any time of the day or night.
Today's quote -- "...The quality of our lives continues to improve as we apply the Al-Anon program not only to crisis situations but to our everyday lives." --- from In All Our Affairs
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When I found myself in recovery, I began learning new things and new tools. I discovered that using the program with other program persons was way easier than using our tools in the 'real world'. At times, it felt strange to stand still and pray in the middle of chaos. Those around me also noticed I was different than before, and appeared confused at times....hostile at others. Over time, the practicing of the program became more automatic, and way less strange to those around me.
One tool that baffled me often was asking for help. I was raised to believe that being a mature, responsible person meant to be self-sufficient. What I learned in recovery is that it's a we program, and issues shared appear to be cut in half and easier to 'see', 'process', 'heal' and 'deal' with. Reaching out for help from other like-minded persons before I loose 'it' has been a lovely gift of recovery.
I am a firm believer today in the power of prayer. There have been many moments in my life, before and during recovery, that I truly wondered if I would survive. Each time, I have come through it to the other side, and am so grateful for those who carried me, especially my HP. Our program works when we work it and we certainly are worth it.
Happy Thursday to one and all - stay safe, warm and sane - just for today!!
__________________
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
Great page and shares thank you both. Love the sentence :"sharing halves our sorrows and doubles our joy "Program works when we work it in all my daily experiences.
Thank you for your service, IAH, and all for your ESH...The three P's: power, portability, and presence, love it! That does truly describe the program...
The program has been a life changer for me, both during crises and away. I am so grateful as I look back and see how I handled similar situations not long ago, without the program, and how much more peace I have now as I face various situations.
I relate to today's Hope for Today page, first a cringer, then merely a non participant, an occasional, and now finally a regular participant in prayer of my understanding. The three P's are quite evident in this new (to me) tool, and have been a lifesaver over the past couple of weeks...I just close my eyes and I have it.
If I am not consistently reading, learning, practicing, and growing, than I am merely aware of the program rather than using and benefiting from it. This included working on my attitude about a tool that I was reluctant to use because of past experience and associated memories.
AlAnon suggests that I can change any belief or feeling that I want, no matter how deep or strong. If my ultimate goal is serenity and peace, the way to get there requires that I am willing to try things that have worked for others before me. Developing a higher power and utilizing prayer as I understand them have helped me more than I imagined.
I am very grateful for the wisdom and flexibility of the program
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
