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 talks about anonymity and how it helps us find our truth and learn to share without judgement. It's considered a spiritual foundation of all our traditions, and allows us to leave behind any/all labels we've had in our pre-program lives. This necessary element of our recovery allows us to put aside what we are and begin to know who we are.
Protecting the anonymity of others, including our qualifier(s) helps us receive the true benefits of recovery. When we can leave behind what we are before recovery, we are able to open ourselves up to what we can be with our HP in the lead.
Today's Reminder --- In taking my place among the thousands of anonymous individuals who make up the Al-Anon Family Groups, I know that I never again have to be alone. I won't jeopardize this valuable resource by violating its most fundamental spiritual principle.
Today's quote comes from "Why Is Al-Anon Anonymous?" --- "Each person should be able to leave an Al-Anon meeting secure in the knowledge that what he, or she, has shared will not be repeated."
~~~~~
I am one who came to recovery broken and defeated. I felt I had been judged my whole life by one audience or another. As I worked the program, I did realize much of this was in my own crazy brain, but still felt uncertain about sharing intimate details of my life with strangers.
I watched and witnessed one of many miracles in our program - others laying out their pain, sorrow, truth and more and not one single person judged or advised. To me, this helped me feel more comfortable in not being alone and not being concerned about my secrets. We have a saying - You're only as sick as your secrets - and I've found this to be true. When I can set aside my ego and share my truths, I can then let them go knowing my HP will lead me to a different/better day.
There is no other organization, group, etc. which asks members to leave titles, income, religion, values, beliefs, judgement, etc. at the door when you arrive - which brings the miracle of recovery to anyone willing to work for it. I am forever grateful to our program and all who came before me ...
Make it a great Friday one and all! (((Hugs)))
__________________
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 Morning IAH Great topic. I can readily identify with you and how it was upon entering the program, It took time for me to feel comfortable enough leaving my titles, politics, and opinions outside the doors of the alanon rooms so as to discover"Who " I was.
I actually thought that I was my titles , opinions. and politics. It was amazing that after a short time, I was able to find the courage to stop pretending and discover my true self and then share myself with others. That was when my true recovery began.
Amen. Very important page at an individual and fellowship level. Thank you IAH and Betty for sharing your ESH. Anonymity goes beyond just not repeating what you see and hear at meetings, and this page and your shares do a great job of pointing to some of the implications.
Have a great weekend
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thanks all - started my weekend with 2 grandbabies for 5 hours....I am a tired gal - happy for the time with them but boy....howdy.....2 little boys ages 3 & 1 - worn out - phew!
Hope you all have a marvelous weekend too!
__________________
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
It was amazing that after a short time, I was able to find the courage to stop pretending and discover my true self and then share myself with others. That was when my true recovery began.