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 discusses arriving at Al-Anon and just not being sure we belong/fit in. Some arrive because of a current situation, others arrive because of a previous situation and still others come hoping to find the answers or cure for the disease in a friend or family member.
No matter how we arrive, if we keep an open mind, we can learn, grow and change. The reminder suggests that one of the signs that I have been affected by alcoholism is that I think I know what everyone else should do. Al-Anon's Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions explains, Tradition Three speaks directly to those of us "who mistakenly feel a newcomer should be rejected when, actually, he or she does meet the condition for membership." I must decide for myself whether I fit the requirement for Al-Anon member and extend that same courtesy to others.
Tradition Three gives all of us the opportunity to seek help and hope in recovery and to allow others the same.
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I will readily admit that I did not want to come to Al-Anon as I did not want to "have to" work another 12 Step program. In my insane way of thinking, I was well and my qualifiers were the ones who needed to change. I rejected the program after one meeting and stayed entrenched in my own denial and insanity for a while longer.
I returned completely defeated and hopeless. I wasn't necessarily convinced the answers were in Al-Anon, but I was tired of fighting everything and everyone. I was given the gift of desperation and needed help more than I could even understand. Nobody ever suggested to me that I did not belong, nor did anyone try to understand more about my story (until I was ready to check qualifications. I am grateful for that as it would have possibly scared me off. I kept an open mind and noticed that those who were truly healing were those who were willing to do all that was suggested and focus on their own life/body/spirit/soul
I am grateful for the program as written and grateful for all who came before me. I love that my HP shows me which way to lean daily...
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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
Good Morniing IAH Love the Traditions They are indeed powerfully simple guidelines that suggest humble, intelligent answers to complicated situations.
Tradition 3 ,simply suggest that we are gathered for" MUTUAL Aid "- clearly indicating that there are no leaders that this is a fellowship of equals. The next statement is more or less a universal. I do not think that there is anyone who does not have a friend or relative affected by alcoholism.
I must admit that I too felt that others had the problem, (I was perfect) so why should I go to meetings. So glad that i keep coming back and was accepted, welcomed and not told what to do by any "leader", if so I would have left never to return. It is evident that alanon know my disease intimately. Glad that I stayed.
Good morning Betty and thanks for your share! We have all decided to get/be sick for the holiday season --- starting with the babies...so right now, both of my sons, me, son's fiance, my dad all have horrible colds (hopefully that's it)...taking it really easy today to rest up for the weekend.
So, so grateful I left being perfect behind. Off to take a nap in a bit - have a great day too!
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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
So sorry to hear this Iam I am coughing and sneezing myself this AM and have decided o take mega doses of Vit. C hope it works. Rest and take of yourself.
-- Edited by Iamhere on Sunday 31st of January 2021 11:54:37 AM
I'm doing mega Vit C and also been drinking green tea and herbal tea with honey - supposed to be healing for the throat/cold/yuck. We are managing thru - hoping for fast healing. Flying with any congestion is not fun/good thing to do for my parents. We got time though - feel better Betty - that is exactly how mine started - sneezing and coughing then sore throat and now it's all between my head, sinus, chest area....
(((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
. Glad that I stayed.