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 ODAT reading For October 14 speaks about our attitudes when we first arrived at an Al-Anon meeting. It suggests that initially we attend the meeting in order to get"something". We do not understand the fact that "getting" is intimately involved with giving.
As we keep coming back we soon discover that our willingness to help others,has an immediate beneficial effect on ourselves. In fact our progress depends on satisfying relationship. We soon discover the more we give of ourselves, the more generously we open our heart and mind to others. the more growth we experience. In Al-Anon we learn not to measure our giving by what we are getting because the very giving provides the reward
The Quote states:" the giver is only a channel of the gifts he has received from God. We cannot hoard or withhold them without blocking the channel."
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I pray that I may keep my eyes trained above the horizon of myself: I pray that I may see infinite possibilities for spiritual growth.
Thank you Betty for the daily and your service. I also appreciate your ESH. I certainly arrived with the hopes of getting the 'secret weapon' to make the drinker stop drinking and behaving 'the fool'. I left disappointed and angry only to return a while later broken and ready to get again! This time, I wanted to get the peace and serenity others seemed to have.
It didn't take long for me to realize I felt better with each meeting I attended. There is a special magic in the rooms - like to think it's a power greater than us bringing it! Anyways, I was asked to help a small amount and that felt good too! I began to see the correlation between being of service and a sense of self satisfaction/growth.
I now today seek balance between taking care of me and being of service. I'm still imperfect and have set backs, but believe my growth and peace are related to willingness of service to self and others. The quote is awesome!
Happy Saturday - been to a meeting and got some things to get done around home. Waiting to here from my parents to see how I can be of service 'there' and letting go of any/all outcomes. Make it a lovely 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
