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.
It has been said that it is our best thinking that got us to AlAnon. In AlAnon we also hear that a power greater than ourselves can lead us back to sanity. Today's reading reminds us it is a gradual process, fueled by hope.
Belief this is possible may begin by just seeing or hearing that others found peace despite the challenge of another's drinking, opening the door to the possibility that we could, too. Next, we may become willing for this to happen, perhaps having to ask a higher power for the willingness to be willing.
Sanity isn't restored overnight, but belief and trust in a higher power's ability to bring us back is the beginning, and hope opens that door.
Thought for the Day: "came to believe" points out that our faith in a return to sanity is a process, not an event.
"The basic spiritual principle introduced in Step Two suggests that there is a Power greater than we are that provides hope for sanity, whether we are living with active alcoholism or not." - Paths to Recovery
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When I found AlAnon, I had little faith in anything. I did sense that the program was different than anything I had been a part of, however, and many I heard share at meetings demonstrated a very evident grace and peace that I found remarkable.
When I relate my experience in the program I usually give the cliff notes, skipping over the gradual development and pauses along the way. In real time though, I did not jump right in on the steps and hammer through.
I started just with the Serenity Prayer, then a little bit of the concepts and implications of Step 1. It was quite a while before I could start to wrap my head around Step 2, and a ton of work around Step 3.
I didn't let my gradual (some might call slow, but that's ok!) pace slow down my work, however, I went to all the meetings I could fit, read and meditated regularly, and worked with a sponsor. The time was not wasted, and I feel I built a foundation that is working well for me.
Recovery is not easy, it is not quick; it is a process that does deliver when we are willing, or willing to be willing, and we work whatever we are ready and able to work in the program. I am so grateful for the wisdom and the patience of the program
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Good morning Paul and Bernie! Thanks for the daily and your ESH + your service....
I came wanting (thought it was a need) to cure my qualifier(s)....I learned it wasn't about them, but rather about me. It took me a while to understand the affect of the disease on me and within me. I was a bit crazier than I knew/thought and it's certainly been a process for me.
In seeing my own defects and assets, it was revealed by my HP that I'd spent a lifetime developing my habits - good and bad. While I believe in miracles, God wants me to learn AND grow AND return to sanity. Any speedy attempts for just one diminishes the others, and I'd rather be safe than sorry today.
When I keep my ears, eyes and heart open, I am constantly impressed with all that is good in my life. When I close off any part of me, my old patterns try to resurface. Ever searching for balance of mind, body and soul keeps me grounded in the middle of my boat and that's where my peace and serenity sweet spot is.
Happy Hump Day - make it a great one!!
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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
Hi Paul Thanks for this powerful reminder that recovery is a process and not attained overnight. Even the wording in the Second Step indicates this concept " Came to believe" not "believed"
I am so grateful for this program with the simple principles and tools that were presented to me when I crawled through the door of alanon and wanted instant answers to stop the pain. Being told it was a process and to keep coming back was unsetling but i am glad that I listened and returned.
The Steps were the key and being allowed to choose my own HP a great gift. When I saw how powerful the meetings were and felt so much better after attending, i decided that the alanon program , the meetings and the tools would be my HP. That is how I" came to believe" initially
My idea of a Higher Power has changed over the yeas but I still "believe" and am grateful that recovery is a process as I am still not finished yet and will keep coming back.
Thanks for sharing Paul, I have been working the second step and it does take awhile to understand that it is a process. That you do not wake up one day and have an epiphany about your HP. I wanted that to happen but it did not work like that.
