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 reading for Monday, 2/11, talks about the author setting three goals from Tradition Five. First, to work the steps for themself, next, to have compassion for alcoholics, and finally, to have compassion for those who come to alanon.
The author said: I know that I was pulled from despair by the love of strangers who quickly became friends. Now I have enough love and wholeness within myself to share it with others who suffer from the effects of alcoholism.
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I am working the steps for the second time, and I can see a huge change in myself compared to 5 years ago. I have developed compassion for alcoholics and other addicts, whereas in the beginning of program I expected my A to go get help as I was doing. I have softened in this area, and finally and most of the time, I have learned to keep the focus on myself. And I cannot help having a feeling of kinship with everyone in alanon. So I liked this reading for today very much, as it gave me much food for thought, Lyne
Thank you Lyne for your service and the daily. I too really like this reading as it reminds us to find our own path to recovery while becoming or being compassionate for those who still suffer. I had rage towards my alcoholics when I arrived at Al-Anon. Deep seated anger and resentments that I had buried and felt horrible and guilty for my feelings as I knew I shouldn't 'hate' others.
Al-Anon and every step/tradition/suggestion/tool has given me the courage to let go of the past, let go of the anger, let others evolve and to find real empathy for anyone suffering because of this disease. Today, I have sad days where I wish things were different for those I love, but it doesn't consume me or turn into anger. It's just a genuine sadness that I can work through when I use the many tools we're taught.
Happy Monday - off to get a new battery in my car ... and run some errands! It's Taco night for me here - always a great time with other women in recovery!!! 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
I am hoping I am becoming more compassionate towards my Qualifier. It helps me if I stay out of the "If Only's" and "woe is me" attitudes. Concentrate on the reality... today's reality. When I do this, things run more smoothly!
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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
I have softened in this area, and finally and most of the time, I have learned to keep the focus on myself.
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((((Lyne)))) I've seen huge growth in you....love it when i can see a fellow mate grow.....and yea, me too, re: having compassion, BUT staying on my side of the street, so to speak...keeping the focus on myself....being kind, but not getting enmeshed in their issues as I have my own issues.......I used to look at any addict with a judging mind...Now I see them as just addicts...Folks who didn't , as children, go to bed at night and pray to become an addict....yea, I have compassion, but I keep my distance as far as letting them impact MY serenity and MY good/well being...
Thank you for this reminder. I find that I am a very different person today than when I came to program 7 years ago. I am more laid back and I have learned to find compassion and less judgement over my fellow human beings, no matter what label they may have (self imposed or otherwise). This program has given me so much peace.
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Never grow a wishbone where your backbone ought to be!
