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 C2C reading for today 8- 27 speaks about attending our first Al-Anon meeting. It points out that many are disappointed that they are not given a do's and don't list BUT instead are handed the steps and traditions and asked to believe in the concept of a higher power.
The suggestion asks that we review each and every step and points out that we need to embrace the principles as they show us another way of living our lives not making it into a burden but facing challenging times so that we can meet the challenges of life head up not head down but confident using the Alanon tools.
Good morning and thank you for your service Betty!
I remember sobbing though my first Alanon meeting. I'm sure no one knew what to do with me and I had so much fear, shame, and judgement. I thought I'd get specific direction and that didn't happen.
So, I thought to try another meeting at a different location. Apparently, I walked into a step meeting and the topic was step 4. (beginners luck )
It took me a long time to really start to understand and work the steps. I went through them with a sponsor which was extremely helpful. Initially, I thought once I'm done them, all would be well, and Alanon would be over and my life would be good...
....Today, I'm forever grateful to continuously learn how to better apply the steps as life tools in all of my daily affairs.
I can so relate to Bud's share. I too, cried through my first 3 meetings. I was embarrassed the first meeting, but someone kind gave me a hug and told me it would get better - I did not believe her. LOL! I came into the rooms totally bereft of faith in God. I had to begin my work without that belief. Honestly, I "faked it until I made it." It really did help to have those veterans in the program that had attained their Serenity, there to tell me that I will 'get there.' They all (whether online or F2F) were very patient and kind. Grateful for them and this program! & :love:
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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
Thank you Betty for your service and the daily.....I was so resistant when I attended my first meeting that it met my expectations!!! I did not want to have to change 'me' when another had the real issues. So - I tried longer to fix, control, change, cure, manage things/people my way and finally hit my bottom and returned to another 'first meeting'.
I just felt so broken and defeated at that meeting yet found some level of hope as others could make and keep eye contact, smiled genuinely, were very kind and I did feel the love. I am so grateful that I returned and walked in with the gift of absolute desperation and an open mind.
Happy Tuesday all - hope it's been a great day! We are having some really lovely weather here (very unusual for August) so I swamped it out at the golf course. We've had more than 7 inches of rain in the last 3-4 days so it was pretty mucky! Yet, the sun was shining, the birds were singing, and I got to see a lovely, large heron sitting peacefully on a large rock and a red fox walking across the fairway! Nature and animals always make my heart smile as I am just humbled by the natural beauty of our world and surroundings!
(((Hugs))) - MIP family! Grateful for Al-Anon, MIP and to just be me...one day at a time!
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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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& :love: