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 both about the unique relationship of sponsor/sponsee and the gift of hearing and listening to our HPs will. The writer describes how early in the program as he/she was without a sponsor, the perception of the person who would one day become the sponsor was that she was odd. The writer thought it strange that the sponsor to be was always smiling and laughing, as if she did not take the program seriously. After a few years, the writer felt the need for a sponsor and didnt know where to turn, asking his/her HP for guidance. The writer heard the direction of asking the odd lady to be sponsor and he/she went on to have an eight year relationship that set the foundation for a strong recovery program in Alanon. The writer goes on to say that the experience was about listening to and acting on Gods will (rather than forcing her his/her own).
This one resonates with me on both subjects as the relationship with my sponsor is one of the most profound I have had in my life, and I have never even met her in person! She has helped me find direction when Ive been lost, a voice when Im not sure what I want to say, strength when I have felt weak. She has helped me see the importance of consistently working a strong program. When it comes to listening to HPs will, Im a stubborn work in progress. I know I still have many times when I catch myself trying to impose my will on a situation rather than let it unfold as it should. I am working on that. I appreciate todays reading as a reminder that we are not alone.
Good Morning Mary great share and message. Love the tools and principles of this program . This being fellowship of equals i was able to reach out and ask a lady I admired to be my sponsor. Before program I could never have had the courage to"admit" i needed help, You are correct a a sponsor/sponsee relationship is a profound connections that is a true treasure in this ever changing world.
Hearing HP's will is also a gift. Working the steps allowed me to stop reacting, pause, listen to the small voice within and act on the guidance. this gift of hearing HP' still small voice s truly saved my life when the WTC went down
Thanks for your service
Good morning ladies! Thank you Mary for your service and the daily. Thank you both for your shares and ESH. I too have a lovely sponsor who had what I wanted when I most needed it. I have no doubt today that HP is how I found her and my courage to ask her to be my sponsor. I also struggled with accepting I needed help from others, yet felt deep down that I would not heal or move forward if I did not have support and love from a sponsor. I am grateful beyond words!
I am also working with a gal who's newer to recovery and willing to be open to the program and change. I am proud to have her as a sponsee and look forward to learning and growing with her. Yet again, I don't believe we are together by accident. I too have learned how to pause and consider the will of HP vs. my own.
Happy Sunday all - off to walk the dog in the rain and then a meeting followed by football! Enjoy the day, and embrace the joy! (((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
I could really relate to your share... especially when you spoke, :She has helped me find direction when Ive been lost, a voice when Im not sure what I want to say, strength when I have felt weak."
My sponsor helps me in those specific ways as well! She definitely helps me to feel strong when I feel weak and want to give up! I think that I am truly finding happiness when I Pause and listen to that small voice within me...my HP's voice. Sometimes I am amazed at something so "powerful" can be so quiet within me... my sponsor told me that is b/c I am still developing within my program... with practice, the voice becomes louder!
I hope everyone has a great Sunday! Errands, and then my 'Hawks play the Rams! I love football!
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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
my sponsor left Alanon some years ago- retired. I still see her around town, as a friend.
her hubby, in AA did most of the work- and formed a sharing open AA group where we could read and study the 12x12 books together. So I had access to knowledge of both books, of course.
when my sponsor told me of her decision, I decided there and then I wanted to actually remain a lifetime member of Alanon. maybe because i am an adult child- and Alanon has become my family of choice. I really don't have crises any more- but the practise of gratitude is healing. I need this, and reminders of this.
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