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 January 6.reminds us that attending Al-Anon meetings helps us to see that we are not alone and that others have problems that are equally as difficult.
When we begin to realize that others have problems more difficult than our own, and are facing them with courage and confidence, we are encouraged to keep trying . We find that others are able to embrace recovery because they accepted the fact that alcoholism was a disease and have found many reasons to be grateful.
The reading suggest that when things looked bad - it is within our power to brighten them with the light of understanding and gratitude. Once we understand that our own point of view and habits of thinking.,actually do help us to stay sick. The truth is that there are no easy solution to our problems and that many additional difficulties were created by our reactions to the happenings in our lives. We must pray to be guided to a better way.
I know that I can readily identify with this page because when I entered the rooms of Al-Anon I had many misguided beliefs and expectations. I saw myself as a perfect human being with no flaws and as a victim.
Al-Anon meetings, slogans, literature helped me to see my assets as well as my defects and to change what I could. This recovery is not magical . it happens over time because. One day at a time I found that my life improved and continues to.so as long as I am willing to work this program. I am eternally grateful.
It is freezing here so I intend to stay warm indoors today and undecorate from Christmas.
Thank you Betty for the daily and your ESH. I never planned to attend F2F meetings. I thought I would be fine occassionally writing on this message board. I learned that if I truly wanted recovery, that F2F was a very important element. Now over 4 years since I began F2F meetings, I feel so attached and grateful for the experience. I learn from everyone, I feel connected to everyone, I feel accepted and not judged, and it truly is where some "magic" takes place. The like-minded people sitting together and seeking a better, more sane life, is something worth making the effort for. I will keep on keeping on, Lyne
Good afternoon and thank you Betty for your service and the daily. Thank you both for your shares and ESH. I too am grateful for Al-Anon as it gave me a safe place to be authentic. Never before in my life was I able to say what I mean and mean what I say....and hopefully have it come out as not mean. I could vent, I could express myself and I could certainly raise concerns/issues as we are a group of equals.
In Al-Anon I learned how to be fair, how to consider all facts and how to move forward, one step and one day at a time. Meetings are such a gift in that we all come together with a common ground and learn how to be a part of instead of a part from. There is still at times one who comes along and wants to control the thoughts, words, actions and deeds of others but they tend to either get with it or move on to another place to practice old habits.
Like-minded people sitting together seeking a better more sane life is certainly worth making an effort for. I am reminded that 'Our common welfare should come first; personal progress for the greatest number depends on unity. When WE remember that WE recover together, it really does work well.
Grateful for all of our tools and for the power of choice. It's finally a bit warmer here today - went out and about to the store and a meeting.....am cooking to host a few for Play-Off game this afternoon. Getting ready to sneak in a nap before company - make it an awesome 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
Thank you so much for the reading and your insights Betty.
My reactions to situations can definitely explode them and escalate what could have been diffused or detached from or seen from another perspective. It is always better when I respond to a situation or difficult person rather than react.
I can use that process on everything, not just alcoholics or family members without a program. It helps me to try and see that every person has a reason for their behaviour, that they have expectations, hopes, fears, judgements and different perspectives and values to me. They might be struggling in ways or anxious in ways I don't know about or hadn't thought of.
