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.
Good morning MIP. The reading in Courage to Change for today reminds us that we will not be rid of our problems by practicing Al-Anon recovery. Instead, when we are living life on life's terms, Al-Anon gives us the courage and insight to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones. Length of time in recovery doesn't equal a 'better life' or a 'better way' - it just provides more opportunities to practice that which we all strive for, progress not perfection.
Love this....Today I know that I can't fix anyone but myself, and I challenge myself daily to seek a richer, more meaningful life.
Reminder: In handling my difficulties, what's important isn't how much time I have in Al-Anon but how willing I am to implement the tools of recovery. While Al-Anon doesn't grant immunity from problems, it does offer a healthy way to deal with them.
Quote from H.W. Beecher: "Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things."
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My experience aligns with what's suggested in this reading....I arrived wanting to know how to fix my A and was actually put-off by being told I needed to work on me, focus on me, and accept that I was part of the problem! Even still, I opted instead to return to the insanity of the disease until I just had nothing left - feeling very broken, defeated and the lowest of lows.
For me, when I was in the throws of the day-to-day battle with this disease and the diseased, I had no hope and I dreaded each day. I saw no way to move 'beyond' and truly felt it would be as it was always.
When I returned to Al-Anon, what I heard was the same, but how I received it was vastly different. I had just enough willingness, humility, courage and desperation to just try to change, which began my recovery. I am so, so grateful and while things are far from perfect, I've come to stop expecting 'perfect' and instead just finding peace and joy in the present, one day at a time!
Happy Thursday all - I am a bit sad today as we lost a huge tree in our backyard. It became diseased, and died very quickly. It's a super sized pine tree, and it's going to be removed today. So, as strange as it sounds, I am mourning a tree....just for today. We have much cooler temperatures today, so I'm hanging out at home getting some things done....make it a great day all - find and keep your joy!
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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
I personally love this: "Al-Anon gives us the courage and insight to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones."
What a wonderful way to look at things! I know that I needed courage.... but I also needed to know and accept (the insight) that my position was not written in stone. I could change things. I could make things better for myself. Were they the dreams of a younger me? NO. But, I could mold something I could live with and be proud of.
There is something of importance here even though it focuses on my qualifier: He used to always say (and still does), "See! See how many sober days I have? See me going to meetings and working my program? Then within 6 months he would miss a meeting, then two, then more. He would then stop speaking with his sponsor. Then his Big Book sat by the bedside gathering dust and other things on top of it. But - and this was huge for me - I was the cold-hearted, unsupportive wife for pointing these things out. Yes, I would point them out b/c of my fear of going down the "Addiction Rabbit Hole." I feared all the consequences that would hit me and our kid as a result-Lord knows we have suffered many! Al-Anon helped me to see what was mine to take care of, and what I had zero power over. It also helped me to conquer the fear of stepping out on my own without the constant fear of what this disease was going to give me by way of collateral damage... that to me, is a free life!
Today, I am using Al-Anon to help me get out of the "Perfectionisms." I love the slogan, "Progress not Perfection!" I have found that I am a happier person because of this simple idea! And I know that I am an easier person to live/work with because of this too! LOL!
Well, the storm was fast and furious, but is now gone, and hot temps are forcasted by the weekend! :eyeroll:
I am meeting a friend for dinner tonight, and I am looking forward to catching up! Seek & Find your Joy!
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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 love stepping stones... steps... ...and getting on with it. The name of the seat of the W. family... Lois and Bill. The concept of the stumbling block is a part of my belief system.
Sorry IAm. that you lost your beloved tree... and it does make sense to mark the passing- it makes change so much more manageable. Hmmm yes... there is a twist to this reading... and I am grateful that my mind picks up the meaning and nuances. ...
When I look at leaders in Alanon- I tend to think them as "12-Steppers" rather than long-timers or old-timers. [In theory, anyway.] Because wisdom can emerge at any age. It took me a long time- and I make no apology for that. All the way along I was preparing for this day! ...
And I know that I am an easier person to live/work with because of this too! LOL!
Thanks, IAm, and Hi Betty and P.
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