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.
Todays reading is about how coming into Alanon is a life changer for so many reasons. Like many others when I first came to the program I figured it would help me change the behavior of my then AH; I soon realized that the help in alanon was for me. As this reading describes, many of the things that were missing for those of us living w active alcoholism were offered and supplied to us in Alanon.
We can (and should) put the focus on ourselves. We can examine our own behavior in specific situations and work on it. Some of what we feel might be missing in our relationships is supplied for us in the program. Feeling supported in this way has made it much easier to be in situations where I might have felt disappoinent, disillusionment, or even resentment.
I appreciate the prayer that is the Thought for the Day, which to paraphrase-asks for help in being led to those who will give what we need and help in having compassion to love those who do not.
Thank you Mary. I smiled as an old/new memory came to me. My first alanon many many years ago I too thought I would learn to change the A. I did not apply myself and looking back even now, the group was not a healthy group. I wish I had ventured out to find other groups. BUT, am so grateful today I made my way back.
I can certainly say many of the things missing have been filled. As I keep putting one foot in front of the other, I am sure more will unfold.
Hello Mary Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this important principle of the alanon program. I did not know that I was not "perfect" when i first entered program and began to listen to learn. I was so surprised when I found program was about ME changing. i am so pleased that I stayed and began to implement a few of the tools. .i soon discovered how much better life could be if I lived one day at a time, minding my own business and trusting HP. Great prayers and concept for successfully living life
Good morning MIP....thanks to all above me for ESH and shares. Thank you Mary for the daily and your service. I too first entered recovery expecting, seeking and working hard to make self and all around me perfect. I lived with perpetual disappointment, a negative attitude and outward blame for all events, disappointments, etc. I was still in denial how this disease had affected me and what my part in any of the 'chaos' was!
I returned to self-will for a while until I was utterly defeated. I didn't know then but see clearly now that HP gave me the needed gift of desperation. That propelled me back to recovery, where I prayed for an open mind and embraced recovery as best I could/can. I too was still angry, and still had denial that I contributed yet knew what I was doing and how I was living was simply not working.
Al-Anon has indeed given me all the necessary tools to live and be differently. My life today is much more pleasant, and I am not willing to sacrifice my serenity for any person, event, thing. I truly trust that my HP has the master plan and I am just a cog in the wheel of life, designed to be imperfect yet willing.
Happy Sunday to all - off to a meeting shortly and then we shall see! We are blessed with some spring temperatures today that are welcome and truly pleasant! Windows are open and all is well! 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 for the reminder, Mary, and thank you to all who share their wisdom!
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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
when i first entered program and began to listen to learn. I was so surprised when I found program was about ME changing.
... ...but slowly I realised that the common denominator lay within. If I was able to attain to a sense
...