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 of today's page in Courage to Change likes finding out about new ways to work the program. At a meeting, a basket of slogans was passed around, with the idea that each person would take a slogan and try to apply it to their day. The writer got the slogan "Easy Does It." The next day, the writer was struggling with a problem, and suddenly remembered that slogan. It helped clarify their thinking so they could solve the problem.
Today's reminder: It is not always easy to know which Al-Anon tool to apply, especially in the middle of a crisis. I am grateful for a Higher Power who knows my needs and for meetings that help me find new ways to put these tools to work in my life.
Quote: "As we learn to depend upon our Higher Power through applying the Al-Anon program to our lives, fear and uncertainty are replaced by faith and confidence." -- One Day At A Time in Al-Anon
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I really enjoy getting a different perspective when attending meetings. Recently my home group closed down, and I am taking the opportunity to try out various different meetings, as we are blessed with a wealth of meetings in my area. I have noticed how each meeting has a slightly different way of doing things, but it is all Al-Anon.
In most of the meetings I have seen, it is suggested that newcomers not put money in the contributions basket for their first few meetings. In one meeting, I noticed something added to this custom. They gently suggested that newcomers save their money and use it to purchase literature. I thought that was a good way of supporting newcomers. Instead of implying "we don't want your money," it suggested that the newcomer could do something to help themselves (get literature), and wait a while before helping the group financially. I thought was a good suggestion of self-care, and putting on our own oxygen mask first.
Thinking about slogans as tools of the program, I have often found that when I go to a meeting, and they have slogans arranged on the floor or on the table -- that I often realize I am sitting in clear view of the slogan that I'm most in need of that day.
MIP friends, what program tools or meeting customs have you found useful? Have you seen something that changed your perspective?
Good morning Freetime and Betty. Thank you both for your ESH and shares. Thank you Freetime for your service and the daily. I recall in the beginning, I was 'put-off' by having to attend meetings. Things have changed for me, as I now 'get' to attend meetings. They are an important part of my program and recovery, and no matter the state of me when I arrive, I feel better and enlightened when I depart.
I like that our meeting has an option in the opening for anyone in crisis to meet with another member one-on-one. This gives those in need an outlet and helps keep all others focused on the selected topic. I also agree that I don't always know what tool to consider when troubled, but when I pick up one, it will either assist or lead me to another that will assist.
Happy Friday all - make it a great day! We are so much closer to spring - we're above freezing for the 2nd day in a row - yahoo!!! (((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
Thanks FT for your service. The reading for today is very interesting, and so are all the shares. When I don't know which tool to go for, I use several. Then I cover all the bases! I also feel uplifted after all my F2F meeting. And I guess I am trying something new. When regular attendees at my F2F don't show up, most often the next day I will shoot them a text, and just say I missed them and hope to see them soon. I don't ask them to respond although they usually do. There is no pressure or guilt given, but just a friendly hello. Lyne
Lyne, IAH and Betty - thank you for your shares. I too have recently discovered that I can actually reach out to people between meetings. My first few years in the program I never did that, except to my sponsor. But I have found that sending a quick text, with no expectations, has been helpful to me and the other person.
When I was first introduced to the slogans, I thought they sounded pretty corny, and trite and way too benign to be able to help me. I was miserable with my problems....how was a 3 word slogan to going to help that? Lo and behold, the slogans are a lifeline to sanity, serenity and keeping it together in the moment. Sometimes, I don't even know if I have reached for the slogan that best fits the situation, but it has a calming effect anyway.
I am now so grateful and comforted by the slogans that I saw as useless. I love the idea of a basket and grabbing one for the day.
It's cold but at least sunny here in western NYS. Grateful for that, too!
The first time I heard the slogans- at my first meeting- I thought "that's corny".
Have been through a lot of different stages since then. I recognise 100% that we have all been through difficult situations- and having some standard practise offer security to members. But also some groups seem rigid. Unmoving. And sometimes even repeating the atmosphere of the alcoholic home- afraid to say or do anything.
Progress not perfection. In myself and in groups... and I love that we can swing around this group- where we can draw on a wide range of experience.
At the closing of a meeting- at a place where we all hold hands and say the serenity prayer- I sometimes think to myself- "here we go playing ring a ring a rosy again..." But hey, I am thinking more of the newcomer and what they might think.
I have had some really solid input here. Inside and out of the meeting... and a deep human spirit that has kept me right on track...
...one thing I reflect on is this- that each one of us is an essential part of the meeting. The meeting does not exist without all of us... we all have a part to play... ...
