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 page asks us to think about approaching our AlAnon recovery program as we would if we were learning a new language... because in fact we are. Most don't get to the point of fluently speaking another language casually.
Immersion is often recommended, where we surround ourselves with those who speak the new language and we use it until it flows with much less effort and deliberate thought. In recovery, this would be program meetings, publications, work with a sponsor and our higher power.
Today's Reminder: To get to the point where we think, speak, and act in line with the principles of AlAnon recovery takes more than casual, part time involvement. Like becoming fluent in a new language, it takes commitment and practice, practice, practice.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle
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I find this page very helpful when I find myself wondering why I am struggling with my attitudes or behavior. There is a reason: realigning my thoughts, speech and behavior is no small undertaking.
The good news is that by upping my program practice I can become more fluent in recovery than in frustration and despair. Struggling is a signal that I need to turn up my program, whether it is to get through a particular challenge, or maybe I have let personal meditation, meetings or reading slip.
AlAnon is a universal language that guides me to serenity and helps my communication with everyone, everywhere...if I put in the work. Very grateful for the guidance of the program, the very best second language
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
I am finding the posts helping so much. I was bummed that I might not be able to make it to our meeting here tonight, but I find comfort in the posts here.
Good Morning Paul Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this important page. I love the quote "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle.
I know that prior to alanon, I did not have the tools to truly let go of my anger, resentment, and self pity so I repeatedly pretended to be happy even when i was furious or sad. Alanon gave me the steps, and a listening ear as well as the courage to. let go of these destructive tools and allow my compassion, empathy and love to surface naturally.
. I noticed that i had great principles that I judged others by but never held myself, my actions or word to the same standard so that by developing principles that I held myself to, regardless of the situation was crucial to my recovery.
Principles above personalities became my chosen slogan. It reminded me to stop review my actions, feeeling and thoughts and bring them in line with program. I could do this by an alanon telephone call, or reading the literature or a meeting.
Thanks for your service. Program works when we work it.
Thanks Paul for the daily and your service. Thanks to all for your ESH on this topic....I love, love, love the Aristotle quote and have to remember for me that I am working to have new habits, healthy habits that inspire me to be the best version of me.
In my recovery, once some sanity returned I found freedom in tools of our program. If I was sad, I could read and change my spirit. If I was mad, I could ask God to bless them, and change me. If I were overwhelmed, I could reach out and have another person remind me that Rome was NOT built in a day. I could go on and on and on - but what I know now that I did not know before is there are many solutions available to me that I did not realize were options before recovery.
I do enjoy focusing on that which is good/improving vs. that which is broken/spiraling. I love that I am completely responsible for my responses to people, places and things - and am not expected to be perfect, only human. Focusing on change, growth, recovery, etc. instead of the disease/diseased has truly freed me from the bondage of my stinking thinking.
We are having our Pot Luck today after our noon meeting - I so love the food, fun, fellowship when we break bread together. Have to run some errands this morning before the meeting and grateful for the sun shine and the 'more spring like' weather we are having. Make it a lovely day (((MIP Family))).
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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
Thank you so much hotrod, looking, RL, and IAH for sharing your ESH. This reading really helped me understand the consistent effort I needed to put into the program to get consistent results.
I struggled with my language classes because I did not immerse and consistently practice. A large part was motivation: I did not see the practicality of it. I am so much more motivated in recovery as I see how much better I feel, respond, and feel peace when I really work my program.
IAH, I hope you had a marvelous time with your group today, you must be chafing to hit the diamond with the weather we had last weekend and will the next few days...enjoy!
I am headed out for a quick out and back to CA for the weekend for a surprise birthday party for a close friend with terminal cancer. I have not seen him since he was diagnosed; it will be a challenge to adjust to what the disease has already done to him, but an opportunity to offer support that I must take while I can.
I hope you all have a great finish to the week and grand weekend. Will be back Monday
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Hey Paul - yesterday was great! I absolutely love the fun, food, fellowship that we have during our potlucks. And yes - I am chopping at the bit for softball - golfing today and trying to decide if I want to play in a tourney on Saturday.....I really, really want to play but it's really early for me to 'dive head first'....I normally play a few nights and get loose before I do an all-day tourney!
Sending you prayers and positive thoughts for your friend and your journey out West. How cool that there is a surprise birthday party - he will truly enjoy it - I feel it in my bones. Have a safe trip and we'll see ya when we see ya! (((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
