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 discusses commitment to working the program.....beyond just committing to try the program. The writer discusses how she heard 'get a sponsor' over and over again in early recovery. As she felt accepted and loved by the fellowship, she found her courage to get a sponsor.
The sponsor encouraged, supported and led her through recovery and the steps. Her sponsor became a great friend and continued working an outstanding program, complete with service work. The writer found her courage and also engaged in service. In that aspect of her growth, she found even more love and acceptance and courage to keep improving her life - including college!
The benefits of the program never stop. Continued commitment to working the program allows many to be a better version of self than ever imagined! Step work, sponsorship, service work and giving back allows room to grow continuously.
Thought for the day - When I make a commitment through service, I really am making a commitment to myself.
Quote for the day from When I got Busy, I Got Better, p. 25 - "As I join in maintaining a program that has spread around the world, I get a sense of hope for my own life's possibilities."
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I love this page - and it does align with my own experience. When I arrived at recovery, my thinking was negative often and I felt defeated, angry, sad and just broken. I saw genuine joy in others who came before me, and could not wrap my hands around 'it'. After all, they too were living with this disease and/or the affects.
As I continued to return, I found myself 'free' - sometimes just for the hour I attended a meeting. As I tried what was suggested, I found 'freedom' beyond the meetings. Slowly as my sanity returned, I could find serenity and joy by doing what was suggested.
I do all that I can each day to protect my sanity and serenity. I really do not want to return to who I used to be, and the only way I know how to keep growing is to give away what I've learned. So grateful for my HP, the program, a lovely sponsor, my group, MIP and all who came before me - each has allowed me to grow in ways I didn't know existed.
Make it a lovely day - another great weather day in my neck of the world! Golf this morning and softball this evening - my favorite kind of day!!! (((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
I didn't know what it meant to "work the program" at first, but I knew I felt better when I didn't skip meetings, so I started there. Service has given me the opportunity to become more intentional about my program myself, and I have learned and grown more through service than I ever expected.
I hope you have a great 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
Hey Skorpi - you too! I love seeing your posts with the lovely pup photo as your avatar! Such a pretty, pretty fur-baby!!! Makes my heart smile!
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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 and Skorpi, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this very important topic.
I have heard and know that the alanon program "talks easy but walks hard". This indicated to me that I had to pick up the tools , and use them every day in my daily life in order for me to recover from living with the insanity of the disease. I also had to accept that recovery is a process and that I did not become affected by the disease overnight and that I would not recover instantly.
Keep coming back and using the suggested tools, such as: sponsor, literature,meetings slogans and steps enabled me to grow in wisdom and serenity and lifted many of my defective tools I keep coming back so as to maintain this growth.
I am learning how to spend more time in peacefulness and contentment, and less time in depression, obsession, and misery. The only difference is learning how to focus on me and Alanon, and all the wonderful parts that come with program. The longer I practice my tools, the better I become. I just celebrated my 4th anniversary, and am excited to reach my 5th. Thanks for the share, Lyne
