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.
The C2C reading for September 24 speaks about our attitudes and feelings prior to entering program. It suggests that when we arrive in the rooms, we are filled with drama and think that our experiences are unique and that everyone wants to hear the dramatic stories.After a while we discover that this is a fellowship of equals and each person has experienced painful life experiences . We finally learn that we do not have to be a martyr, bravely sacrificing our lives to melodrama. We learn that we can look at life realistically, because Al-Anon has given us an opportunity to share our lives with others. We finally realize that our situation is not the best or worst so that we can then appreciate a sense of fellowship.
.The quote is from Al-Anon suggested, welcome: "we learn to place our problem into perspective, we find it loses power to dominate our thoughts and our lives."
This is a powerful reading and when I have experienced, by attending meetings, working the steps I became right sized and finally understood, that my situation was difficult and painful and that others were walking the same road with dignity and courage. I decided I wanted to be one of them. So I kept coming back,
Hotrod...early on when I first heard those words and then learned how to achieve the process I knew the program worked cause I could feel the results and beyond anything else in my life that I had tried I accepted the Al-Anon Family Groups and all of it's promises if I worked for them. ((((thanks))))
Good morning all - happy Sunday....thank you Betty for your service and the daily. Thank you Betty & Jerry for your ESH. I am reminded when I arrived how 'awful' I considered my life and that 'nobody would get it' because......................................(past life pains, experiences, drama and more inserted here)!!
I was so stuck, I had to be reminded to have an open mind and an open heart and listen for the similarities instead of the differences. As I realized I was a bit calmer with each meeting, I began to feel, see and hear the value of ESH. I was amazed that folks gathered, with mutual respect and did not sit and hash every wrong done to them. Instead they spoke from the heart about self, how life affected them, how they caught recovery and realized there was a solution! I felt hope soon and could 'see change' in me.
My distorted views began to change, my isolating attitude and terminal uniqueness began to be replaced with curiosity and interest. Working the steps with honesty and a good sponsor helped me to heal and deal from the past, accept life on life's terms and leave behind the misery I had lived with for so long. Forgiveness was absolutely necessary and the program showed me how to do that.
I shy away from drama today. It grates on my serenity just as fingernails on a chalkboard grate on my ears. I pray for those who remain stuck in the pain of the past and am grateful it's not me. For me, a changed attitude didn't just aid recovery, it was necessary to have recovery.
Off to my meeting shortly...NFL this afternoon and softball this evening! We are still having super warm temperatures, yet today is to be the last hot day. I am so ready for fall!!! Enjoy your 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
Thank you Betty and I love that we both shared today :). The more the merrier!
putting my problems into perspective has helped me reduce anxiety when I am feeling it. Really knowing I am not alone and there is a fellowship in program has helped immensely.
Thank you, Betty for your service and sharing this page, and Jerry and IAH for your strong ESH.
When I found AlAnon, I thought the alcoholic in my life was the source of my problems and the felt insanity in my life...AlAnon helps me see every day that I am the only one in control of focusing the lense through which I see my life. Only I can determine whether I magnify my reasons for gratitude and opportunities for peace, or the perceived mistakes of others.
Today's ODAT asked 'what would happen if we stopped blaming anyone for anything?' This line of thinking was all new for me, but a much more healthy way of thinking that guided me toward serenity rather than constant frustration, unmet expectations, and resentment from doing it 'my' way. So grateful for the wisdom and guidance of AlAnon that always works when I work it.
Good luck out on the diamond and keep the Gatorade handy, I'm ready for some fall too, IAH
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Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Hey Paul - gr8 to see ya!!! The rain is to come tomorrow/Tuesday and then we get fall! So excited - it's been hot, hot, hot this week! (((Hugs)))
__________________
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
