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.
For me, there is quite a bit that resonates from todays page. The writer describes his/her first Alanon mtg, where a woman describes loneliness as being dark and lonely, like the bottom of a well. This struck the writer, along with the idea that the tools and practices of the program could help in responding to problems.
The writer describes learning about keeping the focus on self, rather than the alcoholic. Many of us have been stopped in our places by fear. I remember getting as far as a meeting and then too fearful to walk through the doors. I remember being in a meeting and too fearful to speak.
Something that comes through for me in this reading is that fear can paralyze us- but also can motivate us. The idea that every journey begins with one step strikes me here. Although there was a time that I only made it as far as the parking lot of a meeting, another time I made it through the doors. Although there were many times I sat in meetings unable to speak, other times I found my voice.
For me, this reading is a reminder about keeping the focus on ourselves. It is a reminder about the gentle nature of the program. It is a reminder that there are many tools and practices in place to help us as we are taking our steps.
Good Morning Mary I love this reminder. Learning the importance of keeping the focus on myself was a life changing moment Then picking up the tools that allowed me to do so-- csrtainly helped to change my life. Thanks for your service
Thanks Mary for your service and thoughtful share. I clearly recall my first alanon meeting. I sat in the parking lot and called my son, telling him how scared I was to go, but I would. He cheered me on. It turned out to be one of the best days of my life, to begin this journey with program.
And its taken a lot of re-programming to get the focus on me and off the A, but this is my new go to place, with a slip back only once in awhile. All my tools and all the people continue to enhance my life. Lyne
That was me! I sat in the parking lot and drove home, then rebuked myself for an entire week.The next week I went in and cried silently for the whole meeting.
Evidently that was OK, because nobody barred me from the next few meetings, where I did the same thing. The treasure is that I was accepted just as I was. It turns out I can listen as I quietly weep.
Focusing on me is now my comfort. I know "what am I going to do" is my job, not monitoring others.
I have to raise my hand here as well... the first few meetings I would just sit and cry! However, I did find acceptance (and tissues offered!).
I like the reminder to keep my focus on Me.
I hope everyone enjoys their Sunday! &
__________________
"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
there are occasions, even today when I will cry. Even sometimes something on Tv will make me cry- or bubble up. for me it is a sign of strength and emotional maturity. I recall as a kid- "closing down the water works" and going into deep control. I believe now- that was when the psychosomatic symptoms began to kick in- the worst one being stomach ache, ear ache and migraine.
I recall the events of my first meeting well. With joy, today- my first step.
& 
