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.
Todays reading focuses on the suggested closing we have which includes-...though you may not like all of us, youll love us in a very special way- the same way we already love you.
The writer remembers not believing the words in that statement because he/she did not feel that way about him/her-self. Through working the program, continuing to show up at meetings, the writer began to see assets as well as defects and grew to feel that love. For me, I wasnt taken aback at the idea that a group of veritable strangers were saying we love you; instead I felt that there was a level of compassion, understanding, and a feeling of we know you. It was a relief because I felt that people who understood knew me before there were parts of myself I understood. It felt and continues to feel that when there are problems or anxieties that arise, the gift of the program is that all of those things are shared by many. In that way, for me, the unmanageable became manageable.
Good Morning Mary great topic!! I love the opening and closings because they truly reflect the alanon, all inclusive principles that I have grown to love. In addition understanding the difference between "Liking and loving" was what jumped out at me when i first heard this statement. I understood then that I really loved my family but did not" like" all of them.
Thanks for your service and have a lovely Sunday.
I took that closing phrase to mean- that many of us would pass each other in the street- having nothing in common. In Alanon we all have lots in common. I found that i had to grow emotionally and learn to love myself. And not in a selfish secretive way. In Alanon I think we learn to listen to love. and begin to speak as well...
Thank you Mary for your service today and also for the daily. Thanks to all for your shares and ESH. I remember when I found the group I call home and focused on listening, holding still and looking for similarities. My mind was racing and my own pain probably showed on my face yet I was given suggestions on how to attend and was trying to be/do what was suggested.
I realized during the opening that I felt as if I was breathing in deeper than I had in a long, long while. My calm was far from serenity yet a real gift based on how I was living/surviving before Al-Anon. I again truly felt as if we were not alone and united deeply during the closing. Both feel very special, almost sacred to me and both remind me that I am not alone and WE have hope in recovery together.
I hope everyone had a lovely day/weekend! I am catching up around here and am grateful for a peaceful weekend away! (((Hugs))) to all!
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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
