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.
Today's reading in Courage to Change is about sponsorship and Tradition 10.
Tradition Ten states that "The Al-Anon Family Groups have no opinion on outside issues; hence our name ought never be drawn into public controversy."
The author shares that the spirit of tradition 10 allows AlAnon members to develop rich and meaningful friendships with those who have views that are quite different from their own, for example, political views. The author's sponsor has political views that are polar opposites from the author's, and yet because of tradition ten, they have developed a meaningful sponsorship and friendship, and have benefited from this relationship.
Today's Reminder: Today I can be more tolerant of other views as I learn to take what I like and leave the rest. I don't have to let outside issues distract me from my primary spiritual goal. I'll keep the doors open, for I never know where I might find help.
Today's Quote: "Within the fellowship, the one thing that has brought us together must remain our sole concern." Al-Anon's Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions
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I like today's reading, and I appreciate the 10th tradition. When I first came to Al-Anon, I wasn't even sure what I really believed anymore, and it was helpful to have a place where I didn't need to know all that.
Living where I do, it seems like there is always a rally or protest going on. It is a great relief to me to walk into the Al-Anon rooms and know that I can take a break from all that, and connect with people on a different level. I've been thinking a lot recently about how polarized things can feel sometimes in my community, and how much a difference it would make if we could just connect with each other and really talk about things without the "buzz words". Today, I am thankful that Al-Anon gives me one place where I can connect with people without worrying about outside issues and how we might individually think about them.
I hope everyone has a great day today! Icy roads and flooding here - I've had the opportunity to identify exactly where water is coming in my basement. Thank goodness it isn't a lot, but I will have some clean-up to do when I get home!
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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 Skorpi Great topic. Sponsorship and Tradition 10 are certainly mainstays of my recovery.
Finding someone that I could trust, ( a sponsor) who would not give me advise and respected my abilities to make choices and decisions was a great addition to my recovery and Tradition 10, like all the traditions provided me with the principles to face life with courage, wisdom and serenity. I finally did learn to stop judging people by their "opinions" and look deeper so as to uncover their true selves. What a gift!!!
Tradition Ten states that "The Al-Anon Family Groups have no opinion on outside issues; hence our name ought never be drawn into public controversy."
Today's Reminder: Today I can be more tolerant of other views as I learn to take what I like and leave the rest. I don't have to let outside issues distract me from my primary spiritual goal. I'll keep the doors open, for I never know where I might find help.
Today's Quote: "Within the fellowship, the one thing that has brought us together must remain our sole concern." Al-Anon's Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions
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Good morning MIP!! Thank you Skorpi for your service and the daily....thank you all for the ESH and shares. I too had no idea what I believed or thought when I arrived. All I did know was I was a 'negative Nancy' about all things life!!!! I certainly benefited from having a great sponsor who also was gentle and empowering. She suggested Al-Anon and she never judged, pushed, advised, etc. We have a lovely relationship today and I have ultimate trust in her for all things!
I also arrived with self-esteem issues, and therefore often felt 'greater than or lesser than' others in almost all circumstances and situations. This tradition, along with the others and our principles helped me believe and practice equality. I do believe each member I encounter, and their experience are for my benefit through my HP for me to learn and grow. I no longer feel greater than or less than and it brings a balance to my heart that is hard to put into words.
I've always respected the ability to leave outside issues outside the doors/program. It allows me to focus on my primary concern - how this disease has affected me and how I can heal/deal from it. This program works when we work it - so grateful.
Happy HUMP day all - I do have lunch plans today with a program friend, so am going to venture out on our not-so-clean streets! It's still cold here and we have more freezing rain scheduled for the night. So - the plan is to hibernate again tomorrow and that works fine for me....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
