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, 3/18, talks about ESH. The author says that as alanon members, our own experience, strength, and hope is all we need to help one another recover from the devastating impact of alcoholism.
It suggests that the 8th tradition encourages us to help those who really want help, instead of spending so much time and energy trying to help those who didnt want it.
Todays Reminder: I find that sharing my experience, strength, and hope with others, as an equal, is one of alanons greatest gifts.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
No matter how different people are in my F2F group, it does ring true for me that ESH is a gift and a basic foundation of alanon. From every meeting, I walk away with something positive to think about and/or apply to my life.
And I like the reminder that we are a community of equals. That lets us all feel just as important as everyone else, where no one is better than me, and no one is worse. I wasted many years of my life thinking I was the worst person on the planet. Now I know that isnt so. Im like everyone else and they are like me, in some very important aspects. This concept has helped me with self-esteem and self-respect, and I am grateful, Lyne
Love this reminder. I found that in sharing my "ESH" i was able to use the painful experiences that I endured from interacting with this dreadful disease in order to help another and that was quite a gift. Love the wisdom of this program. Thanks for your service Lyne
Good morning all - thank you Lyne for your service and the daily. Thank you both for your shares and ESH. I have always found comfort in knowing that all are equal in recovery, and ESH is what makes a difference. In all other walks of life from family, work, volunteering, sports, etc., there is SIC - Someone In Charge, directing, advising, coaching, counseling, ordering.....in recovery, we instead just share what it was like, what has happened, and what it is like know - allowing each member to find their journey.
I also find comfort in knowing I can share that same ESH without fear of judgement, shame, blame or worse. Only in recovery can I reveal life events that would mortify a 'normie' and see heads nod in understanding. I too love the wisdom of our program and am grateful for those members who came before me as well as those who continue to arrive.
Happy Monday all - we have more lovely weather today - so, so nice after what feels like a very long winter. Make it a great one!
__________________
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
Thank you Lyne for your service.
I love the idea of this share. It was my experience that I didn't always take away something positive from my meetings. There were times I felt judged, for not "doing this program correctly."
But I did not give up! There was peace in the soul... I could see and feel members who had it! It wasn't until I really listened to my sponsor regarding this: She said, "This is a program based on a foundation, but put into practice by individuals. As humans, we are imperfect... so you will find some practicing their program in a way that does not bring you peace. Just gravitate to those who do! Just let go of those who don't!" So I went to many meetings, used different formats for healing. I didn't pigeon-hole myself into only one path.
I DO agree with everyone who shared here... it is nice to know that the basic premise of this program is that we are on equal footing.
Namaste
__________________
"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 todays reading. I was always a good student; no problem studying, memorizing and doing well on tests. I loved school because I loved rules, structure and getting from A to Z in an orderly fashion. Hence, my career as a teacher!
However, what I love about ESH is that I can take my time to get it, to have my light bulb moment as mentioned in another post. There is no deadline or test to spit out the correct response. I can take what I want, I can apply it to my own situation or it can finally sink in much, much later.
I love we are on equal footing..... no judgement or grades at the end of the meeting. What a wonderful program of recovery.
