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 daily reading is about finding ourselves through recovery. The reading suggests that Recovery is a wonderful word - it means getting something back. When we align with the program and work the 12 Steps, what we actually get back is ourselves - something wonderful in recovery is returned....and that is self.
In the reading, it's discussed that many thought they knew who they were before recovery. Many of us then discovered that our answers as well as the questions we considered about us were outdated. We often answered queries of 'how are you?' with answers unrelated to US - instead our alcoholic, our circumstances, etc.
Working the 12 steps, we can rediscover ourselves.....Each step helps us dig deeper into knowing who we are. Step 4 and 5 - our moral inventory and sharing it are very helpful in the search. For many of us, it's the first time in a long time that we focused on self. Attending meetings and listening with an open mind also helps us look for similarities and healing.
In recovery, we come to discover who we are, what we value and our assets as well as things we can change/improve. We gain confidence in self and know better how we think/feel on various topics. We are given back only that which was ours to begin with - self.
Today's quote --- "If a man happens to find himself. . . he has a mansion which he can inhabit with dignity all the days of his life." ~~James Michener
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My experience is I came to Al-Anon angry, sad, broken, scared and feeling very, very alone. I was full of shame and guilt as no matter how hard I tried, I could not fix my home, my family or my crazy life.
I found a bit of relief in attending meetings as well as the acceptance of self by others. It was refreshing to feel love and understanding from others, as that had been missing from my life for a long time. With time, and working the steps, I found out so much more about me and acceptance. I began to understand that if I wanted a happy, joyous and free life, I would have to work for it - it was not promised, guaranteed or even suggested other than in my own distorted thinking.
Aligning myself with this spiritual program has given me back myself - my peace, my joy and my sanity. I can better determine how to be of service today as well as when to back away from insanity. I'm so grateful for the program, recovery, MIP and the gifts I've received by working for them.
Make it an awesome Thursday!!
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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
Hi IAH I love this reading as well as the quote. Both assure me that by working this program, the Steps, etc, I will uncover a special place within myself where my spirit, heart and mind can dwell in serenity and peace my entire life. What a guarantee!! I do believe that I have glimpsed this place and am working toward inhabiting it always.
Thanks for your service.
Love your share Betty - and agree....this is an awesome page! I had little people spend the night last night so I am a tired grandma! Softball tonight so I am hopeful for a nap a bit later on. (((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
Hello IAH and Betty, thank you for Today's C2C and for ESH. Before the program. I really thought I knew who I was. I thought I was the eldest child who was supposed to be a good example. The military child, who had to have exemplary manners and dicipline. The honor student that made the family proud and showed leadership and never showed sadness or pain. So why was my life in total chaos? Slowly in Al-Anon I learned that person wasn't the true me but projections of others. Working the steps I found a confused and fearful little girl who needed encouragement to express her true feelings and not be shut down. I found that I love music and art and animals. Serenity for me can be listening to my favorite singer, drawing till my hearts content or just walking the dog. I also found that I am not responsible for everyone else's happiness or sadness and I can't change anyone.
-- Edited by Stan1 on Thursday 4th of May 2017 12:13:34 PM
Thank you for your service iamhere, I hope you get some sleep. Hes, I love love love your share, I can so relate. I too trusted others projections of me and that made feel so very empty inside. When I began working my program I noticed very subtle changes almost instantly. I suddenly had my own opinions about my personal likes and dislikes. One day I discovered I like hiking and snowshoeing, another day yoga and meditation. Slowly I found I have my own unique relationship with my HP. Working step 4 and 5, I found I'm compassionate and co-dependent. There is still a lot to be discovered about myself on this journey and I'm grateful I have Al-Anon to guide me.
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- Carrie
Stress is caused by being 'here' but wanting to be 'there'. Eckhart Tolle
