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 is about the sense of safety and security we feel as members of Alanon. Anyone who has lived with or been affected by alcoholism knows that it brings a healthy dose of chaos-- among many other things, the program provides consistency, structure and the expected to a world which had been governed by chaos and the unknown.
I have had the benefit of a family of origin which is unconditional in its love and has always felt like a secure place. I would add that my experience in Alanon has been an extension of unconditional acceptance. What I have seen in the rooms is patience, acceptance, kindness, reassurance.
We who have been affected by alcoholism also have felt the loneliness and isolation which can be a result. Aren't we fortunate that there exists a fellowship of others to stand with us in recovery?
One of the phrases I love, because it is also so accurate, is 'alanon is a gentle program.' We are encouraged to gentle with ourselves and others in recovery.
I hope everyone has a chance to be gentle inward- and outwardly today:)
Good Morning Mary I appreciate this gentle reminder of how safe and loving the rooms of alanon truly are. It is something I take for granted after all thee years however when i reflect on the insanity of my childhood years I once again come to apppreciate the calm reassuring atmosphere of he alanon rooms and understand how healing they can be.
Thank you for your service and have a lovely day.
What a wonderful reading for the start to my day! I had been making a conscious decision to NOT take part in the chaos around me and thankful to Alanon for the tools of non-engagement. The gentleness and consistency of the program are things I cherish.
Thank you for your service-
__________________
Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Thanks Mary for your service and this daily. Thanks Betty and skorpi also for your shares and ESH. I love, love, love that feeling I get when I am with program folks. I am real, they are real and we are safe and comfortable. I love that we are gentle beings looking to support each other and live the best life possible in spite of 'other' - disease, chaos, insanity, etc.
Love the program, grateful for all of you and my own recovery experience! It's been a life saver for me and a game changer!
__________________
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