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 author points to the joy of having members in the group who demonstrate a positive, joyful demeanor that is nearly impossible to grab onto and adopt. Yet it is often these same ones whose story includes very difficult times and who arrived AlAnon broken and hopeless.
Reminder: The more I dig into the program's Twelve Steps, slogans and other tools, the less time I have to focus on things I can't control. This shift in focus opens room within myself for the peace, acceptance and gratitude I've seen AlAnon bring to others.
"I'll only be able to help others when I have allowed AlAnon to clear up my own view of my problems. Until I am impelled to share with others what I get from this program, my own progress will be limited." - Anonymous
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This is truly how AlAnon works, and I am very grateful for the members in the fellowship whose positivity and peace pointed me towards the benefits of a healthier way of living. The perspective that happiness need not be dependent on the actions of others is a powerful gift AlAnon gave to me.
When I remember that and utilize the program to the best of my ability each day, I am blessed with peace of mind and healthier interactions with others. I am so grateful today for that gift
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
I remember when I first arrived at Alanon, I couldn't grasp how it was possible for people to live happily or show joy at anything at all. When I focus on practicing the use of my program tools, I have found that I am able to demonstrate some joy and positivity myself.
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
Good Morning Paul Lovely reminder that using program tools, one day at a time will accomplish the "changed attitudes" that are so extremely important to our recovery. When i first entered alanon. my attitude was that achieving serenity would be boring-- How wrong I was!! I have found that "serenity is indeed a priceless gift and working the alanon program helped me to attain this gift.
I am still amazed that we grow and recover by "helping each other so when we share our most difficult times with honesty and clarity we not only help ourselves but each other as well.
Thanks for your service.
Thanks Paul for your service, the daily and your ESH! Thanks also for the ESH above me....
I too am grateful there were others who arrived before me and saved me a seat....they were kind, patient, gracious and accepting. I have said it before, but it bears repeating - the service of others willing to give so freely of their ESH gives me gratitude beyond words.
We believe at our home group that many arrive defeated, sad, hurt and 'never heard'. We work hard to be very gentle in our shares so nobody feels they are being instructed, advised or pushed to do anything. I love that those there taught me to be gentle and focus on me instead of militant and pushing for recovery - it keeps me very grounded in my level of acceptance and serenity.
We are all miracles in progress as we do the work to recover. Happy Monday to one and all - may your day be blessed!
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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 Paul, thank you for the daily and for your service. Thank those ahead of me for ESH. Today I am reminded of my wonderful first sponsor. Such a sweet lady with a heart of gold, who could alwIays find a bright spot in the day. I never knew until her passing that she was dealing with Cancer. She never mentioned her struggle in the 5 years I had the pleasure of knowing me. Always active until the disease overtook her, she bowled, sewed and loved gardening. I remember my friend's courage on rough days and think she would tell me to just step through One Day At A Time until I make it through. So often people in Al-Anon with the brightest smiles are dealing with the roughest roads. Keep Coming Back!
-- Edited by Stan1 on Monday 3rd of July 2017 11:56:31 AM
Thanks all for your shares, and also for your grace and kindness in not smacking me for losing misleading you on date/material and re-tracking Betty's cover of JULY 2nd's ODAT! Haha...it never hurts to review, eh? I really The program can guide me to serenity, but cognitive awareness and organization is on me
Great comments on the value of the soft, loving approach of AlAnon, and how many members have decided to hold to that despite some incredible challenges of their own. Inspiring share, Stan1, thank you for that...
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
