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.
How does AlAnon work? That's what today's writer wondered upon arriving as many do: desperate and alone. These are the things that were done by those who had found serenity:
* Attend AlAnon meetings, share if you can
* Work the Steps (To overachievers: ONE at a time
* Get a sponsor
* Read from AlAnon literature every day
* Call other members between meetings
As these were adopted, change began to happen. These tools and the help of a higher power allowed for successful handling of even difficult situations. Serenity was not far behind...
Today's Reminder: AlAnon provides the tools to detach with love, regain sanity, and find serenity. Much can be learned from those in the program who are sharing their Experience using program tools effectively, Strength from overcoming challenges, and the Hope that comes along with it.
"Daily vigilance will turn out to be a small price to pay for my peace of mind." The Dilemma of the Alcoholic Marriage **************
Not long after starting to attend AlAnon meetings, I noticed a distinct difference in what was shared. Some described how they used program principles, slogans, and reliance on a higher power to overcome a challenging circumstance. Others focused on the negative behavior of others, how unhappy they were, and how much they dreaded what was to come.
Some of the latter group had been coming to meetings for many years, while some of the former were relatively new. What I took away from that is that recovery is not awarded because of tenure with the program, but by involvement and commitment to the program.
This was exciting to me as a newcomer, because I desperately wanted what that first group had. AlAnon makes the recovery process clear and available to all regardless of background, belief system, or social or economic status. All that is required is to have an open mind and willingness to put in the effort. I am so grateful
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Hello Paul Thanks for posting your thoughts on this important reading. I love how simply the page outlines the important Steps to take in order to achieve recovery.
The freedom that alanon promotes in not enforcing direct adherence to this process is important. I love how it is always suggested that each member tailor make the program to suit his needs "Take what you like and leave the rest" is such a powerful outline of how to work the program.
When I was new to program it appeared as if all of these requirements were over whelming but one day at a time, trusting HP, taking what I liked. allowed me to incorporate each of these into my daily life. It is amazing to see that today, I practice all these simple positive actions and they have become part of my thinking and being. Recovery truly is a process and one I must pursue each day
I love this reminder and explanation of how Alanon works, and the reminder to take the steps, ONE step at a time, made me chuckle a bit.
I remember when I started in the program, I wanted to take each step, one step at a time, at the pace of 2 steps per day because I was desperate for my life to get better, already! But, it took years to walk through the Alanon door, and I am learning that it will take years, one day at a time, to get to where I am going. One of the most important things Alanon taught me was to rely on HP to know where I am going and to enjoy today for where I am in that journey.
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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
Thank you Paul for the daily and your service. Thanks to you, Betty and Skorpi for the ESH. I believe you (Paul) and I process similarly as I noticed much the same as you - time in the program doesn't = success in the program. I have a lovely gentle sponsor and she always suggested I stick with the winners - when I asked what that meant, she told me I'd figure it out in time.
I prefer to be with/around those who are working it and focused on the spiritual journey. I pray for those who appear to be stuck angry and full of blame for the disease, the diseased and the past. It saddens me, but I've already learned that I can not carry another, only the message.
The program is truly simple - it's my own brain that complicates most elements of my life that baffle me. This is a great page to mark and read over and over and over again. Grateful for my meeting today and all of you here @ MIP.
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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
