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. Today's reading talks about the most important relationship each of us will ever have - the one with self! We spend more time with self than anyone else so wouldn't it make sense to put energy into making that relationship awesome?
Another person can't prevent us from feeling lonely, but our inner emptiness can be satisfied - we can come to value our own company. Recovery shows us that we are worthwhile companions.
Many of us come to Al-Anon with the illusion that only another person, usually the alcoholic, can fill the empty place within. We consider the if only he/she would .... we would be less lonely. Yet, many of us discover that we are just as lonely even if/when these conditions are met.
The reading suggests that just for today, when alone, we consider that we're in good company. We find in recovery that when we stop expecting others to meet our needs, we find new and exciting ways to enjoy our own self and friendship. When we get lonely, we can lean into our Higher Power, who never leaves us.
Today's Reminder -- Today I will spend some time exploring the most intimate human relationship I will ever have - my relationship with myself.
Today's Quote from Ellen Burstyn -- "What a lovely surprise to discover how un-lonely being alone can be."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Recovery has gifted me with a road-map for living, a Higher Power who loves me and many tools to thrive in this life instead of just go through the motions. As I got better, and stopped expecting others to meet my needs, I found true peace of mind and heart.
Al-Anon shows me that I am perfectly imperfect, exactly as I am. When I am spiritually centered, I am in good company no matter where I am or who is around. What a gift we give to self when we choose recovery!
Happy Friday to one and all. Make it a great one!
__________________
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 MIP! IAH, thank you for your service today
I used to think that I would feel less lonely if I were less isolated, if my wife would stop drinking, if I would move back closer to family. Thanks to AlAnon, I know that my loneliness could only be stopped by developing a stronger relationship with myself, by learning who I was, and liking my own company. When I looked externally to find a solution to my emptiness, I was constantly let down. But, by focusing on my internal being and my relationship with myself, I've found contentment and the opportunity to develop fulfilling relationships with others that do not demand that the other person be anything other than who they are.
My grass needs some attention, but it's raining today, so there is nothing better to do than watch it grow some more while staying dry. I hope you make today a good one!
__________________
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 IAH and Skorpi Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this powerful subject. Being able to stay "Inside" mu own being, nurture myself, and still enjoy being with others is a true gift of this program. I know that I felt lonely and invisible because I had abandoned myself and forgot to spend time with me-Today that is not so thanks to all of you and program Have a great weekend
Thank you, IAH for your service, and to Skorpi and Betty for your ESH. It is through shared experiences and wisdom that we grow. I appreciate you all!
__________________
"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
Good Morning IAH and thank you and others for sharing ESH. So grateful for all I learn daily from your service. Having a bit of duck weather here today so looks like it will be indoor projects today. I'm giving a baby shower for our daughter in law in June, so excited and blessed. Doing the invitations with the computer was challenging for my inexperienced technological brain and I did end up asking for tech support to finish them and with the patience of one young lady ...project complete. I find it amazing what can be accomplished when working the program and reading my daily readings.
The longer I am in alanon, the better I like myself. I now cherish my alone time when prior to program, I was crushed and devastated all the time my A was out doing whatever. Nobody else could stop that pain except me, and thanks to you all, I have achieved that goal. I no longer need my A to fill me, make me happy, or spend time with me. It's truly a gift from God and my fellow alanoners. Thanks everyone! Lyne
I can take this time- to explore a little further, my own concept of self.
Unlike a f2f group I have no time limit- and I don't have the discipline of sea of faces... but I am much more in my own comfort zone- and I can edit and craft my thought- a lot more!
On any case- it is different- neither better, nor worse.
This individual I know- who said long ago- "its a selfish programme!".
My own latest thought- from my higher power- it this one: "...we practise self care, in the company of others."
The presence of you... ie, 'others', is deep and significant. ...
Thanks, Iam and y'all..
...