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 speaks about how growth in recovery is an ongoing process and opportunity.
"Although the crisis that bought us to Alanon may be past, there is always something new to learn, even after years of recovery".
I am reminded in this reading of my own perspective towards the journey over the many years since grabbing a ticket. In my first attempt at alanon, I had viewed recovery as a type of medicine for an infection, ie: complete the course and all will be fixed, over and done with, finished. I now know that the opportunity for personal growth never stops, or as the author puts it both opportunities for change and character defects "pop up like weeds in a garden". I have found this to be true. If the work stops, so too do the results.
The author speaks of realising the near constant presence of anger and how step 4 work helped to uncover the authors own part in the picture, as opposed to blaming other people and situations. The author tool the step of writing an inventory of their thoughts, feelings and behaviour whenever they lost their serenity and then read that aloud to someone whom they could trust.
One of the first things I learned in recovery was the importance of choosing my confidantes wisely. Prior to programme, I tended to trust just about anyone who said the right words or gave even the most initial signs of being trustworthy. Since entering recovery, I now know that some things belong only in a fellowship of equals, and even within that fellowship, certain things belong only between me and a sponsor. This is a part of the weeding exercise in the garden of recovery life.
The reading finishes with a lovely reminder:
" There is something new for me to learn today. I will open my mind and my heart to the lessons my Higher Power brings me."
Lots of peaceful and courageous wishes to our MIP fellowship for the weekend!
a4l - thank you for the daily and for your service! I do believe and have experienced growth each day...hence the saying we often say - progress, not perfection. I also am very guarded with my privacy as well as who I let into my circle. In the past, I often gravitated towards others who were as sick as I or sicker. I guess I embraced the 'like attracts like' theory for friendships/relationships. Today, I love and respect me and recovery enough to be more selective, and am reminded why on a daily basis!
Recovery and continued growth are probably the best gifts of my life. I can look back now and see how I was and who I was before, and much better like who I am today and becoming. I find it fascinating that each time I work the steps I find more/new/different things about me. We are complicated people, made to be imperfect by a HP that loves us deeply and wants us to be happy, joyous and free!
Make it a great weekend! (((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
Hello A41 Great reminder. I love the fact that program has reinforced within met the truth that each day I will encounter a learning experience and if I keep an open mind I will grow, and learn.
The principles of this wonderful program have reinforced the fact that each day that I live I will need the courage, and wisdom I develop from practicing this program and that is why I need to keep coming back Thanks for your service
Thanks a4l and all above shares. One of the truly amazing gifts of this program is to find growth and progress in ways I never imagined or thought could be broadened. I love surprises and it seems there are many to have if I use my tools and seek the benefits offered to me. Happy day, Lyne
THIS!! "In my first attempt at alanon, I had viewed recovery as a type of medicine for an infection, ie: complete the course and all will be fixed, over and done with, finished."
What you shared was important to me, b/c that was me, 8 years ago (the first time I grabbed a ticket!). To be honest, I knew my spouse needed to keep working a program. I had done enough research regarding addiction at that time to know that it is a life-long affliction that must be managed. But, I did not stay in Al-Anon FOR ME. I checked the box, did my requirements, did experience growth, but did not understand that the changes in ME also needed to be tended daily... like a garden.
So, when I ended up facing the beast of addiction again, - now with an alcoholic spouse - I fell back into my old ways of dealing. So my years of misery are not only my Ex's to hold in his hand, I played a part as well! This realization and acceptance is EXTREMELY hard when you are in the "anger phase."
Today, I am careful to touch bases with my program daily (on some level). I have learned that this is important for me. I wish future me would've told the me in the past.
Peace
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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
