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....I'm starting with the thought for the day as it's one of my favorites -
"The say that pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. If I learn to accept that pain is part of life, I will be better able to endure the difficult times and then move on, leaving the pain behind me."
The quote -- . . . When we long for life without . . . difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure." from Peter Marshall
The reading shares about how alcoholism contributes to dashed hopes, broken dreams, and considerable pain in our lives. While we work to avoid dwelling on these feelings, we also don't shut the door on them. The program helps us face the most unpleasant aspects of our pasts, and the fellowship supports us in feeling the pain, mourning the loss and then moving on.
We are reminded to treat ourselves with the same care and respect that we would another program member who's in pain, confusion and/or turmoil. We become whole and find peace by practicing the gentle aspects of this program with self and with others.
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I learned in Al-Anon that I was not unique. Some of our stories are very different and some are more similar. Yet, each story represents the agony/chaos/destruction this disease brings to family and friends of alcoholic(s). Practicing this program as best I can helps me use the pain of the past to grow instead of stay stuck. Being one with the fellowship instead of feeling less than or better than others helps me trust and sharing my ESH, good and bad, helps me feel less broken.
For me, I would not be who I am or where I am without the pain of the disease which brought me to my knees and the doors of Al-Anon. It's been a journey I would not exchange for a different life. I'm grateful all of you are part of it.
Happy Friday or TGIF all. Two nights of softball has me a bit sore and my little guys are coming over for a play-date tonight! Make it a great day...my mother's recovery continues and tomorrow, she is going 'out' for her first social event following her stroke and surgery. Thanks for all the prayers and support!
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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
Good Morning IAH Love the quote and often have said that I did wish that HP had not decided to give me so many challenges just to make me' grow so strong. I do appreciate the fact that I found alanon and embraced the tools that brought back my self esteem,self worth,courage,and compassion. Have a lovely day and thanks for your service,
I am still at the stage of wishing I had walked a different path. But I respect those who have grown stronger through their paths! I need to be reminded to treat myself gently... perfectionism is not always a good thing. It can lead to a lot of negative self-talk. With Al-Anon, I can keep reminding myself that it is 'Progress not Perfection," and I can learn from other's ESH... that helps me to be strong.
IAH - good to hear that your mother's recuperation is going strong!
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"The wolf that thrives, is the one you feed." - Cherokee legend
"Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields... Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness." Mary Oliver
PnP - I was there for a long while so know that if things work for you as they did for me, each day I work on a spiritual existence, each day I settle more with the past and forgiveness of self and others. You keep doing you - it's working great so far!
I must admit that after 2 nights of softball I am super sore in all the wrong places...I have little people for a play date tonight and am not feeling as my usually young, chipper grandma 'self'. I have to keep reminding myself that moving slow is OK and the house doesn't have to be super tidy for a 2 and 4 year old....ha.ha.ha.ha.ha...
Have a great one Betty!!
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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
Hello all and thank you for ESH. When I read today's reminder about pain in our lives it brought to mind one of my favorite sayings. Roses also have thorns...from ODAT. when I am having a rough patch it always helps me to remember that life just isn't always smooth and it certainly isn't always the way I would plan it if I could. Believe me I've tried...lol. Today I had a lovely surprise...our eldest son, daughter in law and grandson called and said they were coming out for the afternoon and not to fix lunch. They had stopped at a local deli in their town and got an assortment of sandwiches. What a beautiful afternoon and playing with our 3 yr old grandson was delightful. IAHI can relate to tired Grandma tonight but a very happy one. Think HP knew I needed a little sunshine and laughter.
Awesome share Stan1 -for me, there is no greater gift than the smile(s) from my little people!!! They're just such a gift with their totally joyous ways and they truly show me how to keep things simple! So glad you got such a lovely surprise...(((hugs)))
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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
