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Post Info TOPIC: Hope for Today July 28


~*Service Worker*~

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Hope for Today July 28


Good morning everyone-

Todays reading is about all that we can learn from one another in the program, specifically a sponsor/sponsee relationship.  The writer describes a young teenager who is unable to find Alateen meetings in her area, so is permitted to attend Alanon meetings.  Over time she asks the writer to sponsor her, and in her sharing about growing up with alcoholism in her family, imparts her own wisdom and helps the writer get through some of his/her own issues as related to alcoholism. 

For me this page is all about the openness of the program, how it is built on trust and understanding, and that there is always something to learn from another person.  I have written many times about how in my first few meetings I could do nothing but be present and most often, cry right through the entire meeting! But what I felt from the people around me was: we are here with you, you are getting stronger, we are listening.   Being open to that feeling and to the help available was the first step in walking forward. I especially appreciate the last sentence of the reading:

Im grateful that my Higher Power keeps me open to new and unexpected ways of healing.

I hope everyone enjoys their Sunday!

Mary 



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~*Service Worker*~

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Thanks for your service Mary. The reading and your share make a lot of sense to me, both learning from a sponsor as well as everyone else connected to alanon. Staying open and flexible are also important aspects of this program. I was talking to a program friend this morning and saying that due to alanon, Ive become more flexible. I noted that this summer for my trip to the ocean I am bringing more clothes that will protect my skin from the sun. Since both my brothers have had melanoma, and I have had many biopsies and freezing treatments to my skin, I feel this is a monumental decision for me. Im even proud of myself! Lyne

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Lyne



~*Service Worker*~

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Thank you Mary for your service!! You just don't know what it means to be able to have MIP has a quick booster/reminder on the daily... even if I don't respond, I read, and that gives me strength and hope. Or perhaps you do know, as I see your beautiful avatar here every Sunday!!!

I have a copy of a reading/poem(?) in my bathroom... it is called "Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann. I am parapharasing, but one part speaks of how you should look kindly and non-judgmental upon others, regardless of their station in life, as they too have their own story and you can learn from them. I truly believe that we as humans use a very small percentage of our brains. Our brains are capable of much plasticity, and it is good to grow the brain by accepting knowledge from whomever, and wherever!

This is one of the greatest gifts of the program I believe... the constant reminders that we would benefit greatly by adopting an honest, open and willing mind! Eventually - if we work hard and have some luck - we understand this, and peace & serenity return to our lives.

&



__________________

"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

 

 



~*Service Worker*~

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Thanks, Mary... ...and hi Lyne and P&P...

I was an Alanon sponsor early on... which was rewarding. In a small town i was okay having members from AA-Alanon families- but problematic for kids outside- explaining where they were and what they were to parents.

Showing flexibility- with a teen coming to Alanon makes a whole heap of sense...

...I see how the programme works in a small town- even though we have grown from 900 to about 4k people.

If we lose a group- it is a major blow.

The reading made me realise how desperate some people's lives are. I realise this directly, from my own life experience. And how close to the edge i seemed to lived. Maybe there is some sort of a gift we have to give once we reach step 12. But most of want to start reaching out right from step one- which is natural.

I always found that the best place to start was from within the group.

I will be away on furlough next month. I am going to live on a tropical island for three weeks!

I had this coming since my AF passed, now 19 years. it seems like yesterday. I wanted to run and hide. But I had stuff do, stuff to manage. So I put it on hold!

Now is the time... I feel so much better... aww ...



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Each Alanon member is my teacher.                                                                                                                  



~*Service Worker*~

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Thank you Mary for your service and the daily! Thanks to all for your shares and ESH. I have practiced, practiced, practiced being open to growth and learning since the start of my recovery. I arrived believe I had a ton of life's answers, and would chase down that which I did not know...when you take that 'energy' and mix it with a right-fighter, you have an egotistical mess - me!

Part of my morning prayer and meditation is a desire to be open to change, growth and learning from all encounters during my day...it just helps me remember that life is for learning, loving, living and growing. My sponsor has been a gentle, loving force for my recovery - having many assets that I need(ed) when we met. I would not be who I am or where I am without her.

Off to golf early tomorrow and did that today too...We have an abundance of tomatoes as all our plants are 'ready' now! I spent time this afternoon making pasta sauce from scratch - very fun and very good! Life is good, MIP family - life is good! (((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

 

 

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