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 compares alcoholism to a tornado - not only do we have to watch out for the wind, we also have to watch for what the wind may pick up and throw our direction. Alcoholism often brings along additional issues such as verbal, physical, sexual abuse, illness, debt, prison, infidelity and perhaps even death.
Some of these issues are hard to talk about - shame and embarrassment linger close by. We learn in recovery that we are only as sick as the secrets we keep. Until we allow these out into the light, we are trapped in the disease/affects of the disease.
We find in recovery that no matter how much shame we have, and no matter what we've gone through, there are others who truly understand and have been through the same or similar. There is always hope and help in Al-Anon if we work the program and trust the process.
Today's reminder --- The times I most want to hide out with my secrets are probably the times I most need to reach out and share them with others. When facing a difficult situation, let me remember that my Higher Power speaks through other people. I don't have to face it alone.
Today's quote --- "We move from being at the mercy of any problem that comes along to an inner certainty that no matter whaIt happens in our lives, we will be able to face it, deal with it, and learn from it with the help of our Higher Power." --- from In All Our Affairs
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The power of recovery and a higher power has given me the willingness to be brutally honest. I heard early on that 'we are only as sick as the secrets we keep' and truly felt that some items should be kept sacred/untold. However, as the process of recovery continued, I could clearly see things that kept me from the sunlight of the spirit.
I am a reasonably private person and found out how important it is to me to be certain who I share with is worthy of my trust. I have a small group of trusted program friends that I would trust with my darkest secrets as well as a wonderful sponsor. I know they will never share my story or my pain, and that they will never judge me in any way.
Restoring sanity and trust were slow and at times difficult in recovery. I am grateful for the progress I have made and more grateful to know I am not ever alone - in my life, in my pain, in my journey and that's a great gift I have received from recovery!
Happy Thursday to one and all - off to golf in a bit --- grateful for the sunshine and the spring like day we are having in my area. (((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
Good Morning IAH ,I too thought of myself as a private person and did not see any value in "talking about my problems" Enter alannon and I was so pleased to find that by talking about my issues with a trusted alanon member I was able to clairfy my thoughts and see solutions that I would never have considered. In addition alanon tools helped me ot let go of my anger and resentments.
Thanks for the share Betty - yes.....I love the free to be me gift Al-Anon provides. Have a wonderful 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
Agreed...so many good points, thank you for sharing IAH and Betty, and IAH for your service. I am a very private person, tend to want to control the perception of me and mine, but as you mentioned, those are the times that I need to reach out to my higher power and fellowship.
As free as we allow ourselves to be, and are willing to put the work in to see...power of the program is such a blessing. Hope the links were kind and spectacularly spring-like, and your day a fantastic snapshot to add to your photo book of gratitude...and good luck this weekend!
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thanks Paul - I had not touched a club since last year.....I've been doing weights over the winter and my drive (long ball) is impressive for me.....however, my lack of control showed and with the wind - it was fun and challenging!! I can only improve from here!
Loved the warm weather and being out in the sun!!! Grateful for that - especially in our neck of the woods in February. Safe Travels!!
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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
