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 is about the Steps -their strength and importance in our recovery. This reading is particularly resonant with me for two reasons. I recently decided, with my sponsors support and guidance, to work the steps again. I am a musician and in some ways working the steps reminds me of working on scales or songs in different keys. There is a methodical approach that appeals to me and helps me if and when I am feeling a bit all over the place. The second reason this reading speaks to me today is how the program is mentioned specifically as help when dealing with familial situations. I am 49 years old and have celebrated Christmas Eve with my family of origins every one of those years except for two that I can think of- but this year will mark the third. The writer mentions being aware of fight or flight and how seeking a place away from family may be necessary in order to maintain serenity. I knew that was what I needed this year. The program has helped me sift out when I am doing things because I think I should versus what truly feels right for me. The steps help me be honest with myself as I continually work on living my best life.
This evening I am looking forward to a peaceful meal with my children; I will be honoring those who are no longer with me with some traditional foods I will prepare, and I will honor myself in staying in my home with my kids. I hope everyone enjoys a peaceful and happy holiday season!
Thank you Mary. The Steps are indeed an important tool especially during he Holiday season. I, like yourself have reworked the Steps many times during my Al Anon journey and am ever so grateful for the courage and wisdom I have found as the result. I too appreciate the format and design of he Steps as they lead me from the discovery of what i am doing to hurt myself to uncovering my hidden positive assets
i too have chosen to stay home and have a simple Holiday Celebration, I plan to enjoy and pray that you and your family do likewise.
Good morning ladies and happy Sunday. I believe for me that when I stay close as possible to this program, all goes reasonably well. It's been a tough season with having the flue but I finally believe I am mending. We'll go out and about a bit this evening and more tomorrow. I am 'just along for the ride'!
Each day I walk with this program is a better, more peaceful day for me. Make it a great day and enjoy the present!
__________________
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
Thanks for your service, Mary, and the ESH above. I'm currently on Step 1 with my sponsor and I'm grateful that I had the courage to approach her and that she took me on. I did steps 1-4 by myself with the help of the step work board here and some other resources, and that did me good, but I'm fine with starting over and its probably for the best, as I only recently became somewhat open with myself about myself. I hope everyone has a peaceful Christmas, thank you for being here :)
Hi Mary and thank you for your service. I can relate to all the shares as I have had to switch up the holiday this evening from my usual practice. I've had to make a compromise that I'm not altogether happy with. As I continue to work my program I can see there is always room for improvement. I've come to respect the steps and they make good sense to me, a guide to living. Good wishes to all, Lyne
It is Christmas morning here, nearly 6 a.m. My daughter is on the couch across the room from me, resting; and waiting for the patter of little feet.
When I first came to this group I was looking at the steps like the numbers on the clock- going round and round in circles.
My morning reflections are around Stepping Stones; the home of Lois and Bill- and the realisation that their home and surrounds were named after the steps.
And stepping stones across a creek.
For a long time I believed that our treatment centre here in NZ taught the steps in a certain way. And through the people who went back to their groups- this is how the steps were seen and done from then on. The treatment centre was closed long ago.
The akronym NUTS, or 'not using the steps' is not approved for Alanon. It gives me the chills, actually because I heard it in a context which was not helpful or healthy. I am putting this idea about the steps out there- because for me it is unfinished business, for me.
As an "old timer" now, I am expected to be able to demonstrate how the steps work. I am expected to go to Step One when i need to. I am expected to be able to follow through with Step 12 when called upon.
I expect the Alanon family to bear with me while I am thinking and working something out... to be trusting and to be patient. It is a two way swing-ride.
I am as much a part of Alanon as anyone else.
I believe that ~participation is the key to harmony~.
My daughter, across the room has fallen asleep. I sense the true meaning of Christmas.
This but one important reason for me to check into the MIP family...It's a "set up" preparing me before walking out the door to "out there". Your perceptions and thoughts click the program into place in my heart and head and intentions and I'm good after that. I'm still a loner for now with my wife up in the u.s. and my family pretty well spread all over the place and then I got a reminder in my morning meeting yesterday that this is how I was born...a loner and how I conducted my life...not much of a joiner with the exception of the AFG which has taught me the benefit of giving along with taking. What a wonderful Holiday for gratitude!! (((hugs)))
Thank you Mary many Christmas eves ago, I sat outside of an AA meeting. It wasn't an open meeting, but it was the closest I could come to being around people as I had isolated myself from friends and family. When the meeting adjourned, I joined a few members at the local diner up the street. I felt blessed. Since then, I have and continue to work the steps, and my life is so much richer. I love how this program works.
Happy Sunday, everyone...quiet is what I will be this Christmas/New Year.....My cousin is in town..she never bothered to even tell me she is here and I am detaching..She does this all the time, then comes out of nowhere and wants to "hang out" usually on a night before I have to work and its late and I go to bed early...working the steps has helped me learn I cannot control another, only myself and what is the right thing to do by me??? I got me a ham at my favorite grocery, cut it up in about 15 baggies worth of dinners, then took the bone and deliberately left enough meat on it for a great ham, pinto bean soup...OMG...had my first of 2 dinners of it today!!! it was awesome.....keeping it simple and healthy all around.........Thank you Mary for your service
