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.
Going to start with the daily reminder --- Al-Anon gives me tools I can use to achieve many goals, including serenity, sanity, and detachment with love. And Al-Anon members who share their experience, strength, and hope show me how to put these tools to work in my life.
The quote for the day --- from The Dilemma of the Alcoholic Marriage --- "Daily vigilance will turn out to be a small price to pay for my peace of mind."
The reading today talks about arriving at recovery. Many of us are desperate and lonely. We see and yearn for serenity that others in the meetings. We are given suggestions such as:
- Go to Meetings
- Share When You Can
- Work all the Steps, but not all at once - start with Step One
- Get a Sponsor
- Read some Al-Anon literature every day
- Use the phone to reach out between meetings
The writer suggests that over time, doing what was suggested did lead her to serenity. She also realized the value of the tools and program principles in her life and felt that with the help of a Higher Power, could face anything and continue to grow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I can relate - I arrived broken, desperate, hopeless and isolated. I did not want to be 'there' and had to work to open my mind/heart and listen. I have always been a willful person and even though my way had not resulted in positive outcomes, I was resistant to blind faith and working on me - I did not see that I had a problem.
Once I opened my mind, set aside my ego and pride and became willing, I did practice using the tools, steps and principles of this program. I too found peace of mind and serenity. I am no longer alone and am willing to work my program each day to stay as sane as possible.
I'm grateful to Al-Anon - it's been life-changing for me, my life, my attitude and outlook. I'm grateful to those who came before me and understand that it's a WE program - all of you are a part of my journey.
Happy Thursday all - still very cold in our part of the country - stay safe out there...
__________________
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
Good Morning IAH This page is a great review of "how to work the alanon program" We hear." it"works if you work it" so very often and now this page actually indicates just how this can be accomplished.
One of the most important assets that I needed to develop was patience and working this program one day at a time seemed to produce this much desired asset i also became a grateful person where previously I was not. Thank you alanon and alanon members . Thanks for your continued service . We have a snow storm raging here today so i pray everyone is warm and dry
When I first started alanon I wanted to find out what it was about, what the steps are, etc. One of my regular meetings is a step meeting and that is very valuable in understanding the steps and what is supposed to happen when you work them. But I did not start off actually working them with a sponsor, just becoming familiar with the whole thing. I think this was a good introduction for me.
Now I have a sponsor and am working my way through the steps for the first time. I'm in the middle of step seven right now. Although familiarizing myself with the process was very important, and I got positive things out of it, I find that actually working it is completely different, a whole new world! Yes it has been painful at times but such an opportunity for growth and looking at my whole life in a different way. Working it with my sponsor is a priceless gift, and though my problems with my addict son (and other problems) are not solved I am different and evolving. So just wanted to say that this alanon tool is a great one for me. Working steps with a sponsor can seem scary but it's well worth it.
Thanks IAH and all the ESH. Broken I was and changing I am! I also find alanon to be a life-changing experience and will always be grateful I started it, and I'm sticking with it. Also having a snowstorm. Be warm and safe, Lyne
