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.
I just realized today that this month is my 10 year Al-Anon anniversary. What a journey it has been! Without Al-Anon, I don't know how I would have survived those first four years. And these last six have enabled me to look at challenges with a new lens. I stop and think before I react and try to not start, nor participate, in drama. I feel so much better about myself now that I have learned the tools that Al-Anon has provided to me.
My AH passed away six years ago from the effects of his alcoholism, and my AD continues to miss him terribly. She has not moved on, nor sought support, since his passing. My other two daughters and I also miss him, but we have continued to heal in our own journeys and choices. I saw my AD only once this past year, but at least she agreed to meet with me. And she has two jobs which continue to support her. She rarely talks to her sisters, which makes me very sad. But this is her choice and I gave her up to my HP's care years ago.
I am blessed to have fiance who supports me and loves me for who I am, a job that I love, and five grand-kids who warm my heart. My HP continues to show me a path, just like He did when He led my to my first Al-Anon meeting ten years ago. I was so broken then and felt so hopeless back then! And now, I count my blessings every day and know that my Al-Anon literature, sponsor, and meetings are always there for me whenever I might need them.
Thanks for letting me share my ESH. Wishing you all serenity and wisdom!
Green Eyes...so very thankful that you have come by to share your ESH which now included the gratitude for time well spent in the program. I so hope for many others to have been inspired by your journey. It has been this inspiration that has kept me coming back working for the next miracle either mine or someone elses. Again thanks for your share and please keep coming back. ((((hugs))))
Green Eyes - congratulations on your anniversary! So good to see you and to hear your progress in recovery. Your share is honest, powerful and hopeful - that's why we suggest people keep coming back. I am sorry your daughter is stuck - prayers sent for all. It's so hard as a parent to watch your child in pain and like you, I just turn mine to God.
Please keep coming back - you've been missed! Congrats. on the fiance too - keep working it - looks awesome on you!
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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
Shares like this are inspiring to us all, and are a very necessary part to keep our collective spirits up, and keep moving forward. Thanks for sharing Green Eyes....
I remember an oldtimer telling me at one of my very first meetings..... "with Al-Anon, your life won't be perfect, but it WILL be better"
Tom
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"He is either gonna drink, or he won't.... what are YOU gonna do?"
"What you think of me is none of my business"
"If you knew the answer to what you are worrying about, would it REALLY change anything?"
Congratulations on your 10 year anniversary!
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your Hope with Program!
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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
Congratulations on your TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY. I don't know if they give out coins for anniversaries where you attend meetings -- but I carry my 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 year coins with me! Wear your ten years as a badge of honor. It is! The commitment you made, the efforts you made, and continue to make -- the constant and never-ending effort, made every single day -- is something to be proud of. I admire and respect that commitment, and that effort, that you've made. Keep it up and get to work on the next ten years, LOL.
All the best.
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Bo
Keep coming back...
God, grant me the serenity...to accept the PEOPLE I cannot change...the courage to change the ONE I can...and the wisdom to know it's ME...