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.
In today's reading, the author shares that, when they first came to Al-Anon, they heard some people say that they were grateful to be involved with an alcoholic. Naturally, the author thought these people were crazy. Weren't the alcoholics the cause of everyone's problems in Al-Anon? And yet, the author recalls that everyone seemed pretty happy despite their problems.
Today, the author is happy that they found Al-Anon. They, too, needed to hit a kind of bottom, so they could become willing to reach out for help and find lasting happiness. Because of Al-Anon, the author has a strong relationship with their higher power, friends who give them real support, and the knowledge that gratitude and forgiveness are necessary for their peace of mind.
Today's Reminder: Today I will practice gratitude. I will think of some of the things, big or small, for which I am grateful. Maybe I'll even put this list in writing or share it with an Al-Anon friend. Sometimes a tiny action can be a great step toward seeing my life with increasing joy.
Today's Quote: "When things look blackest, it is within my power to brighten them with the light of understanding and gratitude." One Day at a Time in Al-Anon
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Well, I can't say that I have heard anyone saying that they were glad to be involved with an alcoholic, and I don't think I would personally make the statement that way, but, like the author, I'm thankful to have found my way to Al-Anon! Through working the steps, I realized that I was holding tight to grief over the loss of my first partner, and I was able to let that go. I have a community I belong to and people who care about me. I've been able to develop healthy, lasting friendships. And, I've taken steps to having a healthy relationship with my AW that is not co-dependent and has healthy boundaries. Because my wife happens to struggle with addiction, I've had the opportunity to learn and grow in ways I would not have otherwise, and I'm glad that Al-Anon gave me the strength and patience to wait for her to find her own way to recovery.
EARLY snow for us this year, I've already had to shovel! Hope you make your day a good one, no matter what the weather is doing!
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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 Skorpi for your service and that amazing share about gratitude. Many of the things you are grateful about, I am too. I cant say Im happy I was damaged by alcoholics, but I can say the experience Im having with program has almost re-set my brain in giving me a new way of thinking and seeing my life. Im better at coping and letting things go. Most of the time Im minding my own business, and whatever my A is doing, I pray for forgiveness and compassion. Its a whole new life that I am grateful for, Lyne
I can't relate to the first part of this daily post... but I CAN relate to both of your shares! Thank you for each of your interpretations today!
As I have recently posted, I verbally recite my Gratitude List every day on my drive to work. It grounds me and keeps me focused on me.
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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
I agree with PnP. I will never Ever be grateful for losing my entire life to the abuse and the chaos and then the sickness I suffered as a result of their behavior, I will never be grateful for that but I will be grateful that I found Al-Anon finally after all the decades of not knowing or understanding what it was about. Im grateful that I did find help and support and a way to reclaim my life again.
Thank you for your service
-- Edited by mamalioness on Wednesday 30th of October 2019 11:18:52 AM
Good morning MIP family! I'm in the mountains/valleys of Southern AZ, which is having much nicer weather than my home area! I'm grateful to be here, with my aging parents, of service and fellowship...
I do probably have a different 'feel' for this reading, as I arrived to Al-Anon thru the back door from AA. I can say that I am grateful for the disease, simply because it brought me to recovery, which in turn is the only reason I am still alive. I have no doubt my attitudes, actions, disease, etc. would have taken me long ago without the chosen path of recovery. AA saved my life and Al-Anon restored me to sanity when I watched the disease affect those I love deeply and unconditionally.
I have heard expressions of gratitude for the disease from the standpoint of 'current status' mostly. I would never wish it upon another person, friend or foe, but for me, my experience and my current status, just for today I can express gratitude for the disease. I will be forever grateful that Al-Anon showed me that I can be happy, joyous and free when/if I stay focused on me and my own side of the street. It is when I begin to put others first, in my thoughts or actions, that I begin to slip into obsessive thoughts/habits/projections/patterns. The tools given to me by Al-Anon recovery translate across all my daily experiences, and help keep me sane and in the center of 'the boat'. I am forever empowered to value me, my life, etc. and to offer grace, compassion and empathy to others without blame, shame, judgment or worse.
Enjoy your day all - I have limited access during my travels, but grateful to be able to stop in today and miss the ESH I rely on!!! (((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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