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 talks about our own process of self-discovery using Al-Anon. The author discusses that perhaps searching from bar to bar, making scenes in public places and getting hysterical over little things is a bit insane. Often, we (friends and family) are the ones who agonize over the alcoholic's behavior, lie, make apologies and excuses and resent everything we are doing! For the writer, it was in Al-Anon where she/he first questioned her own sanity.
Typically, we find we can not overcome the effects of this disease by force of will or reason. Our best thinking got us here! But Al-Anon's second step suggests that a Higher Power can restore us to sanity. The author turned to the group for the Power that seemed to flow through the meetings as the meetings were where she/he felt most rational.
Today's Reminder: Today I will focus on my own behavior. If it could stand some improvement, I will ask a Power greater than myself for help.
The Quote: "If we do not change our direction, we are likely to end up where we are headed." Ancient Chinese proverb
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Before recovery, I justified much of my behavior, actions, reactions and choices by the 'state of my home/life'. In other words, if you had to live with what I had to live with, you'd be (insert insanity here)!!!
I justified my rage, anger, resentments, actions, etc. and blamed the disease and the diseased. Acceptance, Patience, Tolerance and Empathy were not even in my vocabulary, let alone in my heart. My interactions with my alcoholic(s) were horrible and this bled over into other areas of my life!
I found comfort and peace in meetings early on, and continue to do so today. There is a magical spirit in each meeting that I do believe to be my HP. I also used the group to guide me in the beginning until I could reconcile my concepts of God, powerlessness and acceptance. By practicing and learning how to trust a power greater than I, my spiritual growth continues.
Happy Thursday all - grateful for recovery, MIP and all my tools! Make it a great 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
Good morning IAH Great reminder to focus on myself , take my inventory and pray for help from HP. This disease (In myself) is cunning and powerful
Thanks for your service
I looked forward to waking up and then coming here to enjoy the support of my MIP family. What a blessing to listen to and participate in the Experience Strength and Hope and Faith of this program. I woke up earlier than I wanted to and so I lay there in bed sharing spirit with other people, places and things who I felt needed the peace of mind and serenity as much as I do.
Mahalo IAH and Betty for your persistent support. ((((hugs))))
"Often, we (friends and family) are the ones who agonize over the alcoholic's behavior, lie, make apologies and excuses and resent everything we are doing!"
Boy, isn't that the truth?! I don't think I so much lie or make excuses, but I do feel as though I have apologized for my AH's behavior more through the years than he would ever think to do or find necessary. I have also resented it! I am consciously trying to let his words and behaviors "hang there" and not apologize for something I am not responsible for. It is hard though! Prayer, prayer and more prayer.
Thanks IAH for your service. What a great read on self-discovery. I didn't see how sick I had become. My focus was 100% on my A and I was like a boiling pot of anger, despair, resentment, etc., waiting to boil over, which it did at times. I was so ashamed of what my spouse was doing, especially the drinking and driving, that I kept most of it to myself. I couldn't accept how an educated, intelligent human would take such risks of such high stakes. Not caring if you killed another person? Jeez. My getting involved with alanon saved me, and the journey of seeing myself and reality was quite a shock, but a much needed one. Grateful member, Lyne
Ellen - we are also expected another cold spell and snow storm....I have to make one more run to the store and then I'm prepared to hibernate!!
Choriste - keep coming back - and glad you are here too!
Betty & Jerry - always lovely to be with you in spirit, recovery and ESH'ing!!
(((Hugs)))
__________________
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
