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.
Good morning MIP Family....Today's reading discusses attitudes and outlooks prior to Al-Anon. The writer suggests being on a ladder where others were either above or below them. God was way, way, way at the top, and those below were there to be pitied. This was a hard, lonely way to live as no two people can stand comfortably on the same ladder rung for very long.
Al-Anon showed the writer that many decided to climb-down from the run into the circle of fellowship. All were on equal terms, and God was right there in the center, easily accessible. Newcomers arrived and nobody had to move or worry about changing positions - instead the circle just widens.
The program helped the writer see all as equals - nobody above or beneath them. Being humble allows us to look directly into the eyes of all fellowship members, and being a part of the worldwide fellowship of love and support.
Today's Reminder --- My thoughts are my teachers. Are they teaching me to love and appreciate myself and others, or are they teaching me to practice isolation? Today I will choose my teachers with greater care.
Today's Thought --- "Life and let live' sets us free from the compulsion to criticize, judge, condemn, and retaliate . . . which can damage us far more than those against whom we use such weapons. Al-Anon teaches us tolerance rooted in love." from "This Is Al-Anon"
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Live and let live is a great and simple tool that redirects my thinking from others and projection to me and the here and now. I am a believer in keeping things super simple, as I came to the program with a compulsion to overthink and over-analyze just about everything. At the darkest moments of my thinking, I can use this slogan and almost immediately know that God is here, I am OK and it will be OK.
I did not feel "a part of" before recovery - I felt apart from. I felt as if what was happening in my life was the worst it could be and that nobody would understand. I felt as if I was a failure, a bad mom, etc. and held tons of shame along with intense sadness and despair. Recovery and all the tools helped me see that I am imperfect but loved by a God that I can believe in and trust, no matter what is happening or has happened or will happen.
I believe nothing happens by mistake and I am called upon to learn and continue living. My role is simple - trust God, clean house and help others. Live and let live right sizes me over and over and over again.
It's chilly here today - working to stay warm and enjoy the lovely sunshine! I am so ready for spring - make it a great day all!
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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 IAH I love this page and the quote " My thoughts are my teachers" Prior to program my thoughts were filled with negative judgments, blame (campare and despair attitudes). I thought that this was harmless as I was not hurting anyone because I did not express these feeings out into the world . Attending meetings, examining my motives I finally accepted that by holding hese thoughts, I was hurting the most important person in my world "MYSELF.
Changed attitudes do aid recovery and the more I attended meetings, worked the Steps and became humble enough to accept that we are all equals and human the better I felt. Focusing on myself, trusting HP and Gratitude and asset lists helped change my inner attitdes. Thank you alanon .
Enjoy your day
Thank you, IAH the reading and your insight made me think. This especially, resonanted:
"All were on equal terms, and God was right there in the center, easily accessible. Newcomers arrived and nobody had to move or worry about changing positions - instead the circle just widens."
When I was about 8, my favorite uncle and his wife had a baby. I told my mom that I was afraid Uncle John would love me less once the baby arrives. Mom took out 3 candles and lit one. She told me that love was the warmth and beauty of the flame, and, as she lit a second candle with the first said that love is so easy to pass along and brings all of the original warmth with it. When she lighted the last canclle she told me to look at all 3 candles...not one of them was diminished when the flame was shared, but the room itself got lighter. It was a terrific representation of love being limitless and reminds me of the compassion and support we share as a fellowship - we all benefit from coming together and making the room - and all of our lives - more bright.
Haven't thought of Mom's candle analogy in years; she died in 1999 at only 65. I miss her very much, but this also served to remind me of the unconditional love she demonstrated, and how much she would appreciate this program for the warmth and welcome it offers anyone who reaches out.
Chilly outside here, too; warmer in the company of all of you.
(((MIP)))
Denizen
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"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says 'I'll try again tomorrow.'"
Denizen - that's an awesome story from your momma! I love it and it's so true. Glad you are part of my journey!!
Betty - always appreciate your ESH and shares - just in case you did not know that....you are cherished my friend!!
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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
Thanks for the reading. I do like that you said that God was in the middle of the circle, and the circle got bigger. I love that part about the program that everyone is equal and we all share the same thing.
