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.
I love how the daily readings always seem to align with what I need to hear - one day at a time. Today's reading in Courage is about Alcoholism being a family disease. Because this sums it all up, I am starting with Today's reminder -
"My acceptance of this family disease allows me to stop wasting energy fighting a hopeless battle, and to turn instead to sources of genuine help and hope -- Al-Anon and my Higher Power."
Today's Quote -- "Once you have accepted the idea that alcoholism is a sickness from which compulsive drinkers and those who care about them can find release, you will have no reason to be ashamed of alcoholism - no reason to fear it." from So You Love an Alcoholic
The reading suggests that like other illnesses, alcoholism has symptoms - blackouts, mood changes...just to name a couple. We, those who love an alcoholic, have our own symptoms - obsession, anxiety, anger, denial and feelings of guilt are just some examples.
These reactions to the disease affect relationships deeply as well as the quality of our lives. As we learn to recognize them and accept that we've also been affected by the disease, we begin to heal. Over time, in recovery, we discover feelings of self-worth, love and spiritual connectedness that helps counteract the old responses. Al-Anon can restore us to sanity no matter how affected we've been.
Alcoholism is stronger than good intentions or genuine desires. We did not choose this family disease; neither did the alcoholic. Finding compassion for ourselves and our qualifier is possible and helpful.
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It's so easy for me to forget this is a disease. In the heat of the moment, many of my defects raise up and desire release. The program has suggested I need to value me and them enough to practice restraint of pen and tongue and pause long enough to response instead of react.
There is no doubt that the disease tries the last ounce of patience and tolerance in all of us. Walking away, hands in the air and disowning another seems like a perfectly logical answer in the throws of active addiction. However, these are usually not realistic, long-term actions or solutions from which to build a foundation.
Living One Day at a Time, practicing this program and leaning into the teachings, tools, steps and support allows us to face the disease and the diseased with dignity and grace. I continue to hate the disease yet can love my alcoholics because I know deep down they are sick people, not bad people.
Happy Thursday one and all - 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 Iam, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this important topic.The concept that alcoholism is a disease, was difficult for me to embrace and accept when I first entered the program. Reading literature, and investigating the AMA's position on the subject, I finally did reach acceptance of this disease and understood, that I too have been affected byit . That is why it is called the family disease as it infeccts all who come in contact with it
The reading suggests that we stop wasting valuable energy fighting a hopeless battle and turn to genuine help and hope. I found this to be the Al-Anon program and HP. I am so grateful that I did this and found the rooms and the tools that Al-Anon offered. Living one day at a time trusting HP, letting go of the past and not reactinghelped in my daily life as well as in all my interactions with the alcoholics and my life. The principles of Al-Anon are all encompassing and I'm truly grateful for this wonderful program.
Thanks for your service and I hope you have a lovely day
-- Edited by Iamhere on Sunday 31st of January 2021 11:49:20 AM
Hey there Miss Betty - not Paul but love your share.....
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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
Ha.ha.ha.ha......I hear you - getting ready for a refill!!! Have a lovely day - I am so, so grateful the sun is shining!!!
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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
Oh Betty - we've had rain, gloom and darkness for the last 3-5 days....I hope it passes for you all faster than it did here. I will admit - things are wet and muddy but everything is coming up (plant wise) and the grass is super green. We did need the rain but goodness - it just stalled out and got frustrating!
Sunshine to follow for you in a few days!
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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 afternoon IAH and thank you for C2C and for you service and Hello Betty. The reminder that "We did not choose this family disease and neither did the Alcoholic " anymore than a none would choose to have Cancer or Heart Disease. It is really difficult to keep this in our minds and hearts when the alcoholics disease is active and creating chaos. Thankfully we have a support group in Al-Anon to lean into during this time.
So, so, so agree with you all - it's easy to forget they are sick with an unwanted disease! When I can recall this in the insane moments, my reactions are better and I can more often act with dignity and respect. (((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
