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.
The writer today searched for a label to describe their Alanon goals. There were too many and most missed the mark. The writer realized the goal to strive for was an overall sense of wellness. The writer wanted more than just surviving; they wanted a rich and fulfilling life. The writer believed that Alanon offers solutions that will lead to emotional, physical, and spiritual health.
The quote from The Twelve Steps and Traditions says that we believe life is for growth, both mental and spiritual.
Over time I have discovered that Alanon has not only helped me cope with my A, but I have gained a much more positive view of myself. My own coping skills have improved in all aspects of my life, and I am learning how to handle many things differently, and better. Lyne
Thanks Lyne, and I am with ya on the tools showing me a better way of handling things..good or not so good or even bad....its not what happens/comes to me, it is what I think and do about it that counts...been tested big time of late and I am letting go...letting go...letting go.....pausing to breathe and pray....stuff I did not even think of in the dark days, life is still a mine field at times, but I am better equipped to give myself a chance a not just surviving but thriving...
Hi Lyne--- Love this reading. I know in the beginning of this journey I aimed for "serenity" as my goal for recovery. Today i look for spiritual growth and wisdom, as well. Thanks to practicing these powerful principles , I believe this is possible-- one day at a time Thanks for your service
Hi Lyne thank you for your service and share. This reading reminds me of a recent interaction in my group. In speaking with a new comer she made a lot of negative and cynical statements about the program. She said "(HUFF) I guess Al Anon is all about ignore the alcoholic and everything will be fine" and rolled her eyes while I was explaining the program at a newcomer meeting. Now I know that is not at all what I said but I could recognize that was what she heard which are really two different things. When I was less well I would have argued with her and tried to make her see it my way. I would have been frustrated with her or said something snarky. I used to find it too challenging to meet with newcomers and welcome them to the program. But because of our program I didn't do any of that I accepted that this is where she was at. I acknowledged that it might feel that way and I too found the program frustrating in the beginning. I shared my experience and that for me it was a program that I slowly got something from week after week. It was a safe place to land where other people could understand what I was going through and would listen without judgement or advice. It gave me tools to start to practice and utilize at home and that was helpful. It gave me more and more peace each week and slowly I started to grow and learn and love and enjoy life again. I don't know if she heard me but I wasn't trying to change her mind. All I could do was share my ESH and let her Higher Power do the rest. And that is when I realized how much I had grown. When I started I was desperate to convince others of what they needed. Today I can offer what I can and let it go. That's how I know that I am healthy/well/sane :). That's how I know the program is working for me.
Thank you Lyne for your service. I appreciate all the members who have shared their ESH above!
I am beginning to see that "Flexibility" is one of the key things the Al-Anon program nurtures. Because yes, for me, it's all about regaining some serenity. But I believe it morphs as we grow in the program to be what we need that day/moment. It is up to us how we "work" it. All our HP asks of us is to show up and be willing!
Peace & Love to 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
Thank you Lyne for the daily and for your service. Love the ESH and shares above me! As I reflect, I have come a long way from my first goal in Al-Anon - to get others to stop drinking and messing up 'my' family!
What I now believe is this program is a design for optimal living. It's not about survival any more as I have faith today that I get what I give and when I focus on living a simple life of service things just do fall into place. I am grateful for the spiritual aspect of this program as I do know for me that without faith, I am nothing if very little.
Self-reliance before program did not serve me well at all. Relying instead on a power outside of me, greater than me who provides for me and all others is so much easier! Grateful for Al-Anon, MIP and my program! Happy Monday all - make it a great day...
__________________
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
