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'm at a conference today, so taking today's reading from Today's Hope.
The author shares that sometimes they can feel really alone or afraid. They have discovered that in these times, they are often focusing on their own problems and perspectives. They have the ability to help others or hurt others. Similarly, others have the ability to help or hurt the author. The author is not truly alone, and by reaching out to others when the author is alone or afraid, they receive support. Reaching out to others for their perspectives helps the author maintain their peace and serenity. Similarly, when others reach out, the author can share their experience, strength, and hope and in so doing reaffirm that none of us need be alone and afraid.
Today's Reflection: If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. - Mother Teresa
Today's Quote: The wise man in the storm prays God, not for safety from danger, but for deliverance from fear. It is the storm within which endangers him, not the storm without. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Like the author, I at times feel alone or afraid. Reaching out to Al-Anon friends on MIP or from my face to face group reminds me that I am not alone, that there are others all throughout the world who are walking this path with me, and I need but reach out to share the journey with them. I Always feel better when I've been to my meetings, when I've connected with others, when I've engaged in service. Focusing on how I can be of help to others helps me keep my focus and maintain my serenity.
two more conference days for me, then a day of travel back home. This conference is a great one - it is small, and I've connected with many people often enough in the past three years that it feels like getting together with good friends. I hope your day is a good one!
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Skorpi
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. - Lao Tzu
Thanks for your service Skorpi. I guess this reading reminds me how I was before program. Afraid often. Alone because I was too ashamed to tell those close to me what was going on with my spouse and drinking. Lots of shame. Ive come a long way since then. There are always people who understand me, that I can reach out to. And now I do. Its a different life, a better one, and Im grateful, Lyne
Thank you Skorpi for your service... even at the conference!
It is true... all we need is to reach out. By doing so, we can then see that we are not living in a vacuum... there are others who can share our journey... and still others that we can assist with theirs.
I hope everyone enjoys their 'Hump Day!'
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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 Skorpi! When we are used to trying to control and think we have all the answers, we automatically exclude or push away others' attempts to help. Once I got married and had children, I felt I had to push every rock uphill, all by myself. I could do, thank you very much. How isolating and I wonder how many opportunities I lost to forge a bond or friendship or strengthen relationships. I still have to remind myself to reach out to others, but it makes myself and the recipient of my request feel better to have been asked.
Skorpi... thanks so much, for the topic. A very apt topic - connection- to read while at a conference!
I went through a phase, three or four years ago- where I began to connect with other people... in a conscious meaningful way. This was a long time coming- and I suppose I was just ready for this.
I was aware just how vulnerable i was- being out there on my own... this turned out to be a permanent fix- a change for the better... ...thanks for the reminder... ...
Wonderful share, Skorpi , thank you for your service
I love Hope: such great stuff in it and this is no exception....when I do not reach out for love and support, I feel alone and fear magnifies...when I DO reach out, let myself be vulnerable, I notice I am not alone and I notice that I feel better...that and turning it over to MY HP of MY understanding ...sharing and caring is the best!!! Thanks for this "needed to see" share.....
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Skorpi... thanks so much, for the topic. A very apt topic - connection- to read while at a conference!
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