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 the program of Al-Anon leading to serenity vs. fixing the qualifier or undoing the damage caused by the disease. The writer suggests sitting on a mountaintop with a silly grin was her idea of serenity and she was instead a person with interest in passion.
Over time, the writer learned that serenity does not replace passion, instead if offered inner security that freed her to live life as fully and passionately as chosen. The program allows us to tap into an unlimited source of energy and wisdom in the form of a Higher Power. We learn to make choices, take risks and let the outcome be - after all we had a new power that helps and guides us.
With the program, a higher power and continued growth, we do discover that serenity is a great treasure.
Today's reminder -- "Today I seek serenity, knowing that when I am serene, I am capable of becoming more fully, and more passionately, myself.
Today's quote -- "Without this program I could not have appreciated how truly wonderful my life can be in spite of difficult situations." from In All Our Affairs
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I came to the program for a solution for my qualifiers. I truly believed that if they would change, life would be fine and we would all be 'happy'. I didn't even fully understand what happiness was - all I knew was I was about at the breaking point. I was perpetually stuck in a state of never ending bleak/negative thinking and attitudes and it was a miserable existence.
Serenity was no where in my life at the beginning. I was in a constant state of waiting for chaos then reacting to it, often with a huge flair of drama that just magnified the situation, the chaos and drama. The dance was unpleasant, unproductive and damaging!
A few moments of serenity within me, and the example of serenity in others gave me a small amount of hope. That triggered a desire to have what others had and a willingness to try and go for it. Small, simple suggestions became new habits and a desire to be the best version of me sounded possible.
I love that we are and will always be a work in progress. No matter where we start, with the program, we can and will achieve serenity. It may come and it may go, however any effort and reward is way better than where I came from. We are all truly Miracles in Progress! Love our journey together!!
Happy Friday to one and all - I'm off to grocery shop for a program friend (husband and wife actually) who had surgery this week. It's a cold day in my world and I spent all day cooking for them yesterday. Service work is a great feeling and helps me get out of myself....which I need!
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
Good Morning IAH, Today ,I love the principles of alanon and have attained a serenity which I refuse to sacrifice for anyone or anything .
Years ago, when I entered the rooms and heard that we should seek" serenity" i thought " Serenity how terribly boring"!!. As you suggested,changed attitudes do aid recovery and after working the steps, attending meetings and examining my motives, I did receive the "priceless gift of serenity" and realized that this was a safe and powerful base deep within from which i could live my life and still feel all my feelings and joy.
