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.
Good morning MIP. Today's reading talks about Alateen and Al-Anon. It suggests that Alateen members are often doubtful of adults in recovery. There can be a judgement that Al-Anon adults are sure to have the same sick attitudes as their parents. What the writer learns with time and recovery is the attitude issue is not in the adults, but in themselves. Closed minds block recovery....it doesn't matter if it's an adult, a teen or even the alcoholic.
When we attend meetings with a closed mind, we don't learn things. Many of us enter recovery with resentments which really need to be dealt with. Recovery is full of people willing to help others heal and be safe in who they are and where they are. Courage and discipline are helpful tools, provided by spiritual living, that help us realize all - esp. adults - are human and doing the best they can.
Today's reminder --- Al-Anon helps me to see things as they are. The people in my life aren't the way I sometimes think they should be. With Al-Anon's help I can love them for who they are, instead of who I think they should be.
Today's Quote -- "Life truly lived is a risky business, and if one puts up too many fences against risk one ends by shutting out life itself." from Kenneth S. Davis
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I was guilty of arriving at recovery with a closed mind. I really thought I had all the answers and everyone else was broken, wrong, defective, mean, etc. It took practice to open my mind and heart and listen for the similarities instead of resisting what was shared.
Over time, I've come to accept I am imperfect as a human, as are all others I encounter. I no longer believe that bad things happen to me only - it's just a part of life. I do much better to accept what is today instead of comparing what is to what I think it should be.
I really like the quote - I thought before recovery that the best way to avoid issues, conflicts, drama, chaos was to just dismiss others and drop them from my life. Today, I am willing to take more risks in all areas of my life as my attitude and outlook as changed and I no longer feel fear of failure. Life is random and can get complicated yet it's beautiful and inspiring all at the same time! Gratitude helps me stay grounded, and I'm grateful today for MIP and my recovery.
Happy Friday to one and all - make it a great day!
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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
When I first arrived at AlAnon, I had a hard time seeing things as they were. I had my perspective, and had been impacted by gas-lighting, so I was so confused I couldn't see things as they really were. The patience and ESH of other members of AlAnon helped me to see that my perspective wasn't always accurate, and helped me learn some strategies for dealing with gas-lighting. Both of these things helped me to see things as they were, not as I wanted or needed or hoped or dreaded that they would be. I can now accept that I am an imperfect human on a journey, and that others are as well. I am beginning to trust more and open myself up more to all that life has to offer.
Happy Friday!
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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 IAH Thanks for your service . One of the most powerful lessons I have learned in program is to see and accept life on life's terms. Prior to program , I was always attempting to change reality by fixing, denying or sulking:( How happy was I to discover that acceptance worked great When i" accept" I can then look around and see what I can do to accept life and be happy instead of attempting to change the impossible . Have a great day
