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 compares our AlAnon recovery to the heroic quests of legend, where incredible challenges are faced and conquered in pursuit of a valuable treasure or task. As Odysseus had his odyssey, Jason his Golden Fleece, ours' is the great journey of spiritual self discovery.
Our recovery journey calls upon us to use the wisdom of AlAnon, sponsors, fellowship and literature to dig deep within to discover our motives, secrets, and talents. We rely on the guidance of our higher power, but must take the steps ourselves to uncover and eliminate the things holding us back from peace and serenity.
Today's Reminder: The 12 Steps serve as a guide to self-knowledge and personal freedom.
"The world cannot be discovered by a journey of miles...only by a spiritual journey...by which we arrive at the ground at our feet, and learn to be at home." - Wendell Berry
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In some of the legendary tales, even the hero can feel overwhelmed at times with the immensity of the task in front of them. When I first grasped the concept of powerlessness in Step 1 and realized how much I needed to change, it was a very intimidating prospect.
Taking it one day at a time is still a crucial part of my serenity, as is doing what I can through daily meditation, reading, meetings and contact and reliance on my higher power. Focusing on taking the steps rather than on how difficult they are going to be has been helpful, as I am able to see progress in my journey.
Grateful for the wisdom of the program
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
When I read today's reading, I was struck by the realization that, although I know heroes of legend must undertake a spiritual journey, and encounter help along the way from friendly guides, I hadn't realized that the spiritual journey was integral to the heroes' successes. It seems that I had been expecting myself to be the hero of my own story while also forgetting about the importance of the spiritual journey. When I found Alanon, and began my spiritual journey, I became more able to act like the hero of my own adventure.
Thank you for your service. I hope you have a wonderful day.
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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
Great reading today - thanks Paul for your service and the daily. Thank you Paul and Skorpi for your ESH. For all the years I spent chasing 'the dream' of enough, I am grateful that just for today, I truly have exactly what I need.....the only way I am where I am is because of recovery.
I can say that there were times that I wondered if I would survive this disease and the affects deep within my core. I have not pondered that in a long, long while - even during some fantastic Sh!_ storms and I am beyond words grateful for all that this program has given to me.
Make it a marvelous Wednesday! Sun is shining and I'm above ground - what more could I want on this awesome spring day? Oh yeah - to meet Paul, face to face in a face to face meeting!!! Can't wait - see you in a bit!
(((Hugs))) to my 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 for your service, Paul. Before Alanon I didn't really realize what spirituality means, having a vague understanding that its something Christians, buddhists etc. do, and I consider myself an agnostic. I tried to be a good person to the best of my ability and understanding, and thought it should be enough. Just in the recent months I've finally really understood, at least begun to understand, what spirituality is, and that it can apply to me excellently as well. I'm so grateful for this program that it has given me a new way to look at life, which is immeasurably better than anything I have ever done by myself.
