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 in our C2C literature discusses the importance of fellowship and support from other members in our program. Reaching out to others between meetings is a great tool to use - it helps us as well as the other person - our ability to share, get/give ESH, reason things out - fellowship is a great tool for program growth and to break isolation we often face resulting from the disease.
While the other person is not our counselor, fixer, or other - having an ear and talking things out often gives us a different way to think/consider things. This person might remind us of a forgotten Al-Anon tool that will help us gain perspective on our situation. We each get to decide what is best for our situation and life but fellowship and talking things out is a great way to get some relief from troubling events.
Today's reminder --- It is my responsibility to solve my own problems with the help of the God of my understanding. Since God often speaks through other people, when I reach out and make an Al-Anon call, I become willing to receive that help.
Today's quote --- from William Ernest Hocking --- "We cannot climb up a rope that is attached only to our own belt."
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Before recovery, I often shared with others but not in a healthy or constructive way. I saw every event, problem, etc. in my life as the fault of another, and heard more advice than I ever could follow let alone process. When my sanity began to return, and I saw the value in hearing ESH from like-minded persons vs. advice from well-meaning others, it became easier to reach out and ask for help.
I also was not one who asked for help - possibly from FOO (Family of Origin) teachings, I felt asking for help was a sign of immaturity or weakness. I now see this as a great way to work on my own humility and lower my ego....as I get to embrace my humanism and my imperfect traits.
Calling others in the program has been an awesome tool! Even when time is short, I am one who will send a text out that suggests an Al-Anon thought or a reminder to 'Make it a Great Day'. Letting others know I am here for them and know they are here for me is a great gift of recovery!
Happy Friday to one and all - Make it a Great Day!!
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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
I love how alanon principles outline how we are to support and understand each other . We do so by simply listening with an open mind , having empathy and by not giving advice. We can do this best by identifying and not comparing and pointing to tools that we have used to solve our problems.
Thanks for your service IAH. Have a lovely day.
You too Betty - have a lovely day! It's a balmy 2 degrees here - so, so, so ready for spring...(((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
