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.
Offering Service: The reading for today discusses the benefits of accepting service. It can include having contact with newcomers, setting out literature, making coffee, and chairing a meeting. The writer says it helps her see how far she's come in program . Fellowship and a new way of life allow her to see that she is no longer alone, and enables her to not get tangled up in unimportant matters.
Today's Reminder: The Alanon program was there for me when I needed it. I will do what I can to ensure that it continues to thrive. I know that any service I offer will strengthen my own recovery.
Quote from In All Our Affairs: God did for me what I couldn't do for myself. He got me involved in service work....It saved my life, my family, my sanity.
I must be a creature of habit! I do enjoy chairing meetings, but I fell into cleaning up at the end of the meeting. We all fall into our own groove and it keeps our meeting running smoothly and efficiently . I also appreciate the efforts of others who attend district meetings, become the treasurer, type up phone numbers, report on business matters, etc. Have a wonderful day, Lyne
Hello Lyne Great Topic I too have found that giving service is extremely beneficial to my recovery. It does not matter if i m literature person, treasurer or chair person it appears that any service position makes me available to new comers who feel safe reaching out to a program representative. I grow the more that I am able to give.
Thanks for your service
I have always been involved in service or volunteer work, and I find it very fulfilling. However, I discovered a major character flaw - I tend to take over or take control, or think that I have a better way, a more efficient way, of doing things. This realization lead me to stop taking service roles on myself, and to wait to be asked. I was still fighting the urge to take control even then. So, I stepped back further, and would arrive to meetings late so I would not be asked to lead.
An imperfect attempt at dealing with a character flaw, for sure. With more work in the program, I feel ready to step up and help a bit more, in my Al-Anon meetings and outside of them. I am sure the process will be bumpy, but I know it is fulfilling and worthwhile. And I feel ready to take on my character defect of dominance now.
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
Good morning all - thank you for your shares and ESH. Thank you Lyne for your service and the daily. I know that each time a new member appears, it is so helpful for me to recall where I started and where I am now. It has been shared that the newest members help keep us all focused on growth, change, healing and recovery and I have found this true in my journey.
I know that service keeps me saner than not being of service. I have no concern doing what's needed for the meeting, the room, etc. It's just second nature to me and has been. I am and will be forever grateful for those who were there when I arrived and do believe in the passing along to others in any way, shape or form I can.
For me, recovery works so much better if I can put me first yet be of service to others. Al-Anon has given me a healthier view of what service is and is not, and as with all principles, it does work when we work it.
It is a somber Monday for my mind....sending prayers to all affected by the events of last evening in Vegas. My heart hurts...
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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
